Speed Square For Roof Pitch

Therefore if your roof rises 4 inches over the course of 12 inches of horizontal run then your roof pitch is 4 12.

Speed square for roof pitch.

The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. As a matter of fact finding the pitch of a roof was the motivating factor for how this tool was invented in the first place hence it s official name the rafter square. You can use a speed square to find pitches.

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 speed square and level can be used to easily find the pitch of a roof. After he created the speed square other carpenters began asking him for one and the swanson tool company was born. Invest in a larger speed square and you could even use it for longer cuts.

The swanson speed square is a popular tool with most carpenters. The speed square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson. He wanted to create a device to make it easier to quickly determine roof pitches. Using a speed square as a try square.

You can use a speed square to find roof pitches guide your circular saw and more including marking any angle from 0 to 90 degrees. You can also use a speed square to find level if you re on the job without a spirit level. A speed square will have two specialty protractor angle guides on the inside of the tool which has both common rafter angles and hip valley angles marked out. Speed squares aren t just for marking 90 and 45 degree angles when you re cutting 2x4s.

Constructing a new shed roof at the desired pitch is as easy as knowing how to use a speed square. By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine. You might also like.