Thread: 2/12 Roof Pitch

Is this a 2/12 pitch or less?

Thank you
Mat

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Originally Posted by mathew stouffer

Is this a 2/12 pitch or less?

Mat,

Talking about the cricket with the 4 pipes through it?

Could be 2:12, 2-1/2:12, or even 3:12.

There are 10 or 11 ridge caps which are likely around 5" exposure, making that ridge 50" to 55" long give or take, so I'm going to say 54" as that is a nice round number of 4-1/2 feet.

That ridge at the short gable end looks to be 10" to 12" tall, maybe even 14" tall.

If those numbers are close to correct, then 54" / 12 = 4.5 X 2 = 9" height for a 2:12 slope.

If those numbers are close to correct, then 54" / 12 = 4.5 x 3 = 13-1/2" height for a 3:12 slope.

If you don't carry a level or slope gage with you, you can measure the run of the slope along the adjacent ridge and the height at the end of that ridge, then a quick calculation will tell you the slope: 2:12 = 8" height in 4 feet of run.

That's the kind of roof, I see if from the ground, and I feel like I have to walk it or walk away knowing there is a good chance I missed something.

But.. did you have to go up one of those steep sections to get there?

Mathew, I don't know if this actually helps as angles in photos can be deceiving, but...I rotated your 2nd photo until the various ridges seemed level and then overlaid a 1:12, 2:12, 3:12 guage on it. If I had to go from that I would suspect you are closer to 2:12 than 2½:12. I've found the best and simplest method when I want to call and document inadequate slope, is a 12" level and a tape (see 2nd photo) although I'm sure some of the fancy electronic levels would also work nicely.

Mathew: It could be less than 3/12, but is a moot point. That installation is allowed with the proper underlayment. Without tearing it up, which I doubt you are willing to do, how can you know? Simply state something like, "the slope appears to be less than what is allowed for tab shingles without special underlayment material which cannot be verified without deconstructing the roof, which is beyond the scope of this inspection. We strongly urge you to have this area further investigated by a roofing contractor who is certified by the shingle manufacturer to ascertain proper installation".

Originally Posted by Richard Moore

I've found the best and simplest method when I want to call and document inadequate slope, is a 12" level and a tape (see 2nd photo) although I'm sure some of the fancy electronic levels would also work nicely.

Richard,

Having used similar methods: 9" torpedo level, 24" level, angle slope protractor (like this: Angle finder tool for roof pitch or for finding angles of anything set on level or straight anything), to the SmartTool SmartLevel ( https://www.locatorsandsupplies.com/...Product_ID=916& ), I've found that the one which works best is ... ... the one I happen to have closest to me.

I like the SmartLevel and have a 24" one, I also have a 10" Sears Digital LaserTrac electronic level ( Craftsman 10 in. Digital LaserTrac® Level - 48292 at Sears.com ) which was a whole lot cheaper than the SmartLevel and does the same thing.

To get the most accurate reading from 'on the roof' you need to be able to measure at least from tip of overlap, to tip of overlap, to tip of overlap so as not to get the thickness of the shingle in the measurement.

You can also measure the slope of the roof sheathing when in the attic, ir you remember to do so and have your level and tape measure up there with you.

You can also get a good measurement off the underside of the rake drip edge as it is straight in line with the roof sheathing.

But, yes, measuring the top of the shingles are you show let's you know what is it close to. I've measured many from the top which showed 5-3/4", 6-3/4", 3-3/4" in 12 slope only to confirm elsewhere that they were really 6, 7, 4 in 12 slopes. The shingles can throw the measurement that far off when measuring the top.

You can afford to drop this one off the roof:

Amazon.com: Johnson Level & Tool 750 Pitch and Slope Locator: Your Store

Aaron,

Thanks, this ( Amazon.com: Johnson Level and Tool 700 Magnetic Angle Locator: Your Store ) is the one I was trying on find on the internet, it is like the one I have (I have two sizes of it).

Any of those are too short by themselves, but stick them to a level or straight edge long enough to span the lower edges of three shingles and you can get a fairly accurate reading.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Aaron,

Thanks, this ( Amazon.com: Johnson Level and Tool 700 Magnetic Angle Locator: Your Store ) is the one I was trying on find on the internet, it is like the one I have (I have two sizes of it).

Any of those are too short by themselves, but stick them to a level or straight edge long enough to span the lower edges of three shingles and you can get a fairly accurate reading.

JP: I screwed mine to a 3-foot piece of 2X2 red oak with the pitch scale facing up so I don't have to consider the degrees. Before they came out with this one I used their angle device and had all of the pitches laminated to the back for reference.

Haag Education

Unbreakable.

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Haag Education

Unbreakable.

Jim,

Try this, much less expensive, quite similar, 5th item up from the bottom.

CertainTeed Roofing: Contractor's EDGE

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Jim,

Try this, much less expensive, quite similar, 5th item up from the bottom.

CertainTeed Roofing: Contractor's EDGE

Try this. Drill small hole in the pivot point of your speed square and thread a bead chain through the hole. Read the slope directly from the "COMMON CUTS". The picture I attached is at a 12:4 angle. Works best in the attic or on the bottom of the rake board but you can sight the roof from a distance and get very close.

4:12 ... but who is paying attention to details anyway ...

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

4:12 ... but who is paying attention to details anyway ...

It depends on wether you look at it from your reft or light!

Thanks guys. Mike, yes I had to walk the roof, I crawled onto it from a window.

Nevermind the slope of the roof, as was said, shingles are OK to 2/12 with the right underlay. But the installation of the white PVC vents and their flashings is 1. too close to the ridge, 2. too close together 3. installed one of them sideways and 4. they have cut the ABS plumbing flashings for the install. If that isn't leaking, it's a miracle!!!

this is what I use, slope and pitch finder. Less than $20 at Home Depot.

Originally Posted by Frank Suchodolski

this is what I use, slope and pitch finder. Less than $20 at Home Depot.

I have the same one. I think it's even cheaper than that. Here's one for $10.49. They reads degrees one way, and roof pitch if you flip it over.

Johnson Level Angle Finder, Angle Gauge, Model 750 (usahardware.com)

I see the new ones are magnetic. Ooooo. They're made by Johnson, but that doesn't mean you should use them to measure the angle of your Johnson. I mean unless that's a personal problem you have.

Originally Posted by Mike Truss Guy

I have the same one. I think it's even cheaper than that. Here's one for $10.49. They reads degrees one way, and roof pitch if you flip it over.

Johnson Level Angle Finder, Angle Gauge, Model 750 (usahardware.com)

I see the new ones are magnetic. Ooooo. They're made by Johnson, but that doesn't mean you should use them to measure the angle of your Johnson. I mean unless that's a personal problem you have.

MTG: $5.99 at Amazon. Buy two.