Glossary termRoof Anatomy

Roof Slope

Also called roof pitch, pitch

Written byPRE Editorial Team
Last reviewedSep 2026
Reading time2 minutes

Quick definition

Roof slope is the rise of a roof compared with its horizontal run, usually written as inches of rise per 12 inches of run.

Slope determines which roof coverings can be used, how quickly water drains, and which installation details are required for reliable performance.

What Slope Means

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What it means for you

Why does roof slope matter?

Slope determines which roof coverings can be used, how quickly water drains, and which installation details are required for reliable performance.

Sources

  1. PRE Editorial Reference Standard. Professional Roofing Encyclopedia.
    Tier 2 authority · industry
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Roof Slope | Roofing Glossary | Professional Roofing Encyclopedia