How To Use A Speed Square To Measure Roof Pitch

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.

How to use a speed square to measure roof pitch.

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. With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1. A roof pitch calculator can make things much easier. 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.

Simply plug in the. This is called the plumb line. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level. A speed square and level can be used to easily find the pitch of a roof.

This is accomplished by use of the main protractor and two specialty protractor angle guides on the inside of the tool. Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. 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. After finding out your roof pitch angles you can use the calculator to perform the calculations for you instead of doing them manually. 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. If the shed is unfinished then simply prop the speed square against the roof framing such as the rafter and repeat the same method.

Place the pivot point against the shingles. Align the lip of the rafter angle square along the plumb line. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. Use a spirit level to mark a straight vertical line across the rafter.