Roof Pitch / Slope

Roofing terms · plain-language definition, with its source

Roofing terms · definition

The steepness of the roof, expressed as rise-over-run (e.g., 6:12). Pitch drives material choice, labor, safety, and material quantity (the 'square' count).

Source: Wikipedia — Roof Pitch

  • Square

    The roofing unit of area = 100 sq ft. Roofs are estimated and priced by the square, plus a waste factor.

  • Roofing Nails / Fastening

    Correct nail type, length, count, and placement (in the nail line) per the shingle spec — the difference between a code/wind-rated roof a…

  • Roof Maintenance Plan

    Scheduled inspections and minor repairs (sealant, boots, debris, gutters) that materially extend roof life and preserve warranty coverage.

  • Roofing Permit

    The jurisdiction permit for a re-roof, triggering inspection of decking, ice-and-water, and layer count. Unpermitted roofs can complicate…

  • Roof Life Expectancy

    Typical service life by material — ~15–30 yr architectural asphalt, 40–70 yr metal, 75–150 yr slate — driven heavily by ventilation and i…

  • Skylight Flashing

    The manufacturer-specific flashing kit sealing a skylight to the roof. Reusing old or generic flashing on a new skylight is a frequent le…

  • Roof Leak Tracing

    Diagnosing the entry point, which is usually uphill of the interior stain — most leaks originate at flashings and penetrations, not the f…

  • Slate Roof

    Natural stone roofing lasting a century-plus — the most durable and costly residential roof, requiring reinforced structure and specialis…

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