How To Find Roof Angle With Speed Square

Photo 2 shows how to use the speed square to mark a 33 1 2 degree angle the same as you would need on a rafter tail for a roof with an 8 12 pitch.

How to find roof angle with speed square.

For instance a 7 12 roof pitch means that the roof rises 7 inches for every 12 horizontal inches. In this video i show how to find angles using a speed square. This video is very basic and for beginners. The speed square also called a rafter angle or triangle square is an extremely versatile tool originally intended to help carpenters quickly and accurately mark roof rafters it is a triangle shaped measuring tool that s invaluable for the diyer s tool box.

Roof pitch is a determining factor for cost of the roof as well as the roof area and the type of materials used. Made from plastic aluminum or steel this multi measuring tool combines a protractor a try square a ruler a. Johnson s rafter angle square has a handy 6 rule for quick measurements. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square.

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. Speed the job of rafter or angle layout by using our rafter angle square also known as a square. Finding angles with a speed square whether you want to make a nice pitched roof on your kids treehouse or you need a utility ramp for your shed entrance getting the right angle on every side. With one number on our square you can frame a roof or a solar panel support or layout stairs cabinets trim work or many other construction projects.

The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. Before miter saws and even since professional carpenters used speed squares as a quick saw guide for cutting 45 and 90 degree angles. Outside of the u s a degree angle is typically used. Holding the level and speed square level locate the measurement on the speed square where it meets the bottom edge of the rafter to find the angle of the roof in degrees.

Roof pitch refers to the measurement of the slope of a roof and you express this as a ratio.