Pitch (Roof)
The steepness of a roof expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. A 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.
The steepness of a roof expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. A 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.
Why Pitch Matters for Insurance Claims
Roof pitch directly affects the total cost of a roofing estimate in two ways. First, steeper pitches mean more actual roof surface area for the same building footprint, which increases material quantities. Second, steep roofs require additional safety equipment, slower installation pace, and sometimes specialized labor, all of which add cost. Xactimate applies steep charges as separate line items or multipliers when the pitch exceeds the threshold, typically around 7/12.
Pitch in Xactimate Estimates
When setting up the roof sketch in Xactimate, the estimator enters the pitch for each roof plane. The software uses this to calculate the actual roof area from the horizontal dimensions. The pitch also determines whether a steep charge applies. Common steep-charge thresholds are 7/12, 9/12, and 12/12, with the charge increasing at each tier. If the pitch is entered incorrectly, both the area and the steep charge will be wrong, resulting in an inaccurate estimate.
Pitch and Safety
OSHA requires fall protection on roofs with pitches of 4/12 or steeper. At 8/12 and above, the roof surface becomes difficult to walk without specialized equipment. These safety requirements add legitimate cost to the project in the form of safety harnesses, roof brackets, and reduced worker productivity. The steep charge in Xactimate accounts for these costs and should always be applied when the pitch warrants it.
Frequently asked questions
Steeper pitches increase the actual roof area compared to the building footprint, which means more material and labor. Xactimate also applies steep-charge line items for pitches above 7/12, reflecting the increased difficulty and safety requirements of working on steep roofs.
Generally, anything above 7/12 is considered steep for roofing purposes. At 8/12 and above, additional safety equipment and slower work pace increase labor costs. Xactimate adds a steep charge at pitches starting around 7/12 or 8/12 depending on the configuration.
Pitch can be measured with a pitch gauge from the attic, from a ladder at the eave, or calculated from measurements in a satellite or drone image. The pitch is entered into the Xactimate sketch and affects both area calculations and steep-charge applicability.
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