What is the definition of pitch in roofing terminology?

In roofing terminology, the pitch is defined as the ratio of the rise of the roof to the run, which is typically expressed as a fraction or a ratio. This means that pitch is determined by how steep the roof is. The rise is the vertical distance from the top of the roof to its lowest point, while the run is the horizontal distance from that same point to the edge of the roof.

When considering the other definitions, the "rise of the roof divided by the span" indicates a misunderstanding of the basic concept of pitch, as span refers to the total width of the roof running from one side to the other, rather than the horizontal distance applicable for calculating pitch. The horizontal distance to the gutter and the diagonal length of the roof are not relevant to the pitch itself. The primary focus of pitch is the relationship between rise and run, which directly affects water drainage, the architectural aesthetics of the structure, and material requirements.