How To Use A Speed Square To Measure Roof Pitch

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How to use a speed square to measure roof pitch. To calculate the required rafter length multiply the total run length half the building width plus the width that the roof is to overhang the house wall by this number 13 42. This is called the plumb line. Measuring pitches part of the speed square s role as a protractor and its original mission as a tool is in quickly finding common and uncommon rafter angles for the pitches on roofs. Use a spirit level to mark a straight vertical line across the rafter.

After finding out your roof pitch angles you can use the calculator to perform the calculations for you instead of doing them manually. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof. A roof pitch calculator can make things much easier. With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1.

This is accomplished by use of the main protractor and two specialty protractor angle guides on the inside of the tool. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. The roof pitch calculator is a convenient online tool you can use to quickly assess the pitch of your roof to determine the length of rafters you need.

Place the pivot point against the shingles. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. If the shed is unfinished then simply prop the speed square against the roof framing such as the rafter and repeat the same method. Because of its compact size it is frequently used as a saw guide when cutting framing members as well as a layout tool for quick 45 and 90 degree cuts.

Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level. Directly below the 6 inch mark on the framing square read the required rafter length 13 42 per foot of run for a 6 inch rise 6 in 12 roof. Find a common rafter angled with the pitch of the roof. Knowing how to calculate roof pitch rise run and ridge board height is essential to any shed construction.