Roof Pitch Explained, and Why It Changes the Price

Roof pitch is how steep your roof is. It is written as two numbers, like 6/12. The first number is how many inches the roof rises. The second is the 12 inches it runs across. So a 6/12 roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches across.

How to read common pitches

• Up to 6/12: a walkable roof on most ranch and two-story homes.
• 7/12 to 9/12: noticeably steep. Crews need more care and often more safety gear.
• 10/12 to 12/12: very steep. A 12/12 roof rises a foot for every foot across, a 45 degree slope.

Why pitch changes the price

A steeper roof is slower and harder to work on. The crew moves more carefully, sets more safety equipment and handles material on a slope. A steeper roof also has more surface area than a flatter roof over the same house. All of that adds time and material.

How pitch shows up in our price book

We publish our repair prices in three pitch columns: up to 6/12, 7/12 to 9/12, and 10/12 to 12/12. Here is one line as an example, replacing up to 1 bundle of shingles on a one-story home:

• Up to 6/12: $786
• 7/12 to 9/12: $983
• 10/12 to 12/12: $1,123

If any part of the repair is on a steeper section, the steeper column applies. Two-story homes add 12%. See every line on our roof repair cost page.

Pitch also matters for a full replacement. It is one of the things that moves a home from the average range into the larger and complex range on our roof prices page.

Do you need to measure it yourself?

No. We measure pitch during the inspection and show it on your report. Please do not climb on a steep roof to check.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common roof pitch?

There is no single answer. Many ranch homes sit in the lower range, while homes with dormers and gables often have steeper sections.

Does pitch affect which shingles I can use?

Very low slopes need different materials than shingles. We confirm what fits your roof during the inspection.

Want a second set of eyes on your roof?

Book a free 30-minute storm or replacement inspection. You get our 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, so you can see your own roof and decide for yourself.