At what roof pitch is it considered steep?

A roof pitch is defined by the ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run. In general, a roof pitch of 4:12 or steeper is commonly referred to as a "steep roof." This means that for every 12 horizontal inches, the roof rises 4 or more inches vertically.

Roofs with a pitch of 4:12 are often distinguished by their greater slope, which affects factors such as drainage, snow load capacity, and material requirements. Steeper pitches are beneficial in shedding water and snow, reducing the risk of leaks and structural issues. Contractors and builders typically adhere to this classification to determine the appropriate roofing materials and techniques.

Pitches lower than 4:12, such as 2:12 or 3:12, typically fall under the category of "low-slope" roofs and are treated differently in construction and design due to their characteristics and performance under various conditions. Therefore, recognizing 4:12 as the cutoff for steep roofs is essential for ensuring appropriate construction practices and compliance with relevant building codes.