What does the pitch of a roof refer to?

The pitch of a roof refers to the angle of the roof surface in relation to the horizontal plane. It is typically expressed as a ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run, illustrating how steep the roof is. A steep pitch is often beneficial for water drainage and can enhance the roof's aesthetic appeal. Understanding the pitch is crucial in determining materials, structural integrity, and compatibility with roofing styles.

The other options do not accurately define what pitch is. The length of the rafters pertains to their size and measurement, the distance between the rafters deals with spacing specifications, while the vertical cut line on the rafter refers to how the rafter is shaped or trimmed, none of which pertain directly to the slope or angle of the roof itself.