In roofing terminology, what does "run" refer to?

In roofing terminology, "run" specifically refers to the horizontal distance from the edge of the roof to the vertical peak, commonly known as the ridge. This measurement is crucial when calculating the slope and pitch of a roof, which are important factors in roofing design and water drainage.

Understanding the concept of "run" is essential for roof installation and repairs, as it helps contractors determine the roofing materials needed, how to design drainage systems effectively, and ensure that the roof meets building codes and performance standards. This metric is different from others such as "rise," which indicates the vertical distance the roof ascends, and "pitch," which is a ratio that compares the rise to the run, providing insight into the steepness of the roof. The total area of the roof also encompasses more than just the horizontal measurement of the run. Thus, while these other terms are related to roofing, "run" is distinctly about the horizontal measurement from one point to another on the roof.