How To Find Roof Angle With Speed Square

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.

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. Roof pitch refers to the measurement of the slope of a roof and you express this as a ratio. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters.

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. This video is very basic and for beginners. In this video i show how to find angles using a speed square. Roof pitch is a determining factor for cost of the roof as well as the roof area and the type of materials used.

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. Made from plastic aluminum or steel this multi measuring tool combines a protractor a try square a ruler a. Outside of the u s a degree angle is typically used. For instance a 7 12 roof pitch means that the roof rises 7 inches for every 12 horizontal inches.

What is a speed square. 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. Although there s isn t any standard pitch of a roof used on all kinds of sloped roofs you can determine the range of pitches by using a roof angle calculator and by considering factors like the local climate and roofing materials.

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.