A roof configuration where the surface rises at least two vertical inches for every twelve horizontal inches (9.5 degrees). This pitch is steep enough to shed water quickly by gravity alone, allowing the use of overlapping water-shedding materials like asphalt shingles, slate or tiles. Roofs below this pitch require continuous waterproof membranes.
Heard on the job
We can't use standard roll roofing here since it's a steep-slope roof.
Do not mix it up with
- Low-slope roof: Low-slope roofs are below 2:12 pitch and require sealed waterproof membranes instead of overlapping shingles.
Related terms
Low-slope roof
A roof surface installed with a pitch of 2/12 or less.
Asphalt shingle
A waterproof roofing element made of a fiberglass or felt mat coated with bitumen and topped with mineral granules.
Roof assembly
The complete system of interacting components that form a building's roof, from the structural deck up to the weatherproofing layer.