Roof Framing Terminology

This article describes and illustrates the different types of support that prevents roof sagging and wall bulging at buildings including definitions of collar ties rafter ties and structural ridge beams.

Roof framing terminology. It is simple in design economical to construct. The rafters are usually positioned directly above the wall studs. Stick frame roof framing member supports sheathing. However green building uses a single top plate and ensures that rafters and ceiling joists sit on the plate directly over the studs.

Top plate or plates in conventional western platform framing there are two top plates. Most roofs utilize 16 inch spacings for strength and rigidity. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. Sometimes referred to as common rafters.

With wood shingles or shakes this is the thicker end. The butt of a shingle is the end that faces down roof. Collectively with other common rafters they support a pitched roof covering. It is the form most commonly used by the navy.

Joist parallel framing member installed horizontally to support floor and ceiling loads. When working on a roof it pays to be familiar with these terms. Stick framing combines roof rafters with ceiling joists. Common types of roofs and basic framing terms.

Manufactured structural roof frame member composed of bottom cord top cord and web members. The floor joists are nailed to the studs. Also refereed to as roof decking attaches to rafters or top cord of truss. Header a beam placed perpendicular to wall suds above doors windows or other openings to carry the weight of structural loads.

An example of each is shown in figure 2 1. Types of roofs the most commonly used types of pitched roof construction are the gable the hip the intersecting and the shed or lean to. Gable a gable roof has a ridge at the center and slopes in two directions. Can be sheet good materials of plank sheathing.

Here is a closer look at common roofing terms. A building s frame is the skeleton that supports all of the finishing features like drywall doors windows and even your roof. Terms in this set 20 rafter. Ridge the highest point of a pitched roof that receives the head of the spars co mmon rafters rafters.

Don vandervort hometips. Sway bracing there are a few ways to sway brace the wall. Similar to joists but inclined rising from the eaves f oot to the ridge h ead. This is to help prevent deflection and sag in the roof.

An older style of framing in which the studs in the bearing walls are run uninterrupted from the sole plate up to the roof plate. If you re trying your hand at constructing an outbuilding like a garage shed or pole barn you ll need to understand the basic components of wall framing before you get started. Like wall studs and floor joists rafters and trusses are spaced every 16 or 24 inches from center to center.