What Is a 2 Pitch Roof?

Geometry

• A 2-12 pitch roof, in geometric terms, is a horizontal slope that rises at a 9.46-degree angle. To understand the lack of steepness in a 2-12 roof, cosider that a 12-12 roof rises at a 45-degree angle. Most homes are constructed at a 4-12 — or 18.43-degree angle — standard, although homes in the 3-12 range, or 14.04-degree angle category, are popular choices in southern locales.

Measurement

• If you need to determine if your roof has a 2-12 pitch, all you need is a ladder, 12-inch carpenter's level, a tape measure and access to the roof. To measure the pitch of the roof, simply climb up the ladder so that you have access to 12 inches of roof run. You will not need to step off the ladder. Hold out your carpenter's level so that the end farthest from you touches any part of the roof while the level is parallel to the ground below and the bubble is centered. With your other hand, run the tape measure from the tip of the level (closest to your hand) to the roof below. The tape measure must be perpendicular to the level. Record the number, in inches, on the tape measure. This number is your roof pitch.

Materials

• A 2-pitch roof can be made from most roofing materials, including tar and gravel, single-ply modified bitumen, PVC, EPDM and TPO, which work on all roofs in the 2-pitch to 12-pitch category. A 2-pitch roof can also be lapped with a lap sealant.

Considerations

• In cold climates, a 2-pitch roof may be problematic, as lower-pitched roofs tend to accumulate a lot of snow and ice and are more susceptible to hail and wind damage. For this reason, low-pitched roofs are more commonplace in the south. If you have a 2-pitch roof, consider adding ice shields during the winter months. On the other hand, a 2-pitch roof is less expensive to install than its steeper counterparts, so you will save money on installation and materials.