Attic Framing Terminology

In the following section we ll cover some of the more common roof and rafter terms you ll need.

Attic framing terminology.

Stick framing creates a triangle between the rafters and ceiling joists. When repairing or replacing a roof it pays to be familiar with these terms. This is to help prevent deflection and sag in the roof. Roof framing involves a lexicon all its own.

Sometimes called an attic. The space beneath the roof structure and above the ceiling joists of the uppermost room s in a building. Gable end and gable end attic vent. Roof framing terms are related to the parts of a triangle.

Top plate or plates in conventional western platform framing there are two top plates. 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. Framing consists of a doubled valley rafter in the middle that extends from a top plate corner to a second ridge board with angled jack rafters for support. For efficiency in both construction effort and material use timber frame structures are typically erected in boxlike sections called bays consisting of two bents one on each end along with additional frame members that connect the bents and form the structure.

The gable end the house wall on a conventional simple gable roof such as shown in our sketch is the triangular end wall arrows 17 22 23 and 31 see roof ventilation specifications definition of the rake area of the roof or ends of the roof itself may overhang the gable end wall. However green building uses a single top plate and ensures that rafters and ceiling joists sit on the plate directly over the studs. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. 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.

Key timber frame terminology. Other roof shapes particularly those with dormers or on houses with cathedral ceilings attic rooms or attic storage areas are stick built. Gable and hip roofs may be built primarily of trusses. Includes illustrations that show roofs have hip rafters ridge boards jack rafters and more.

Sway bracing there are a few ways to sway brace the wall. A building s frame is the skeleton that supports all of the finishing features like drywall doors windows and even your roof. Roof features associated with basic roof framing terms are shown in figure 2 2. Here is a closer look at common roofing terms.

Framing terms knowing the basic vocabulary is a necessary part of your work as a builder. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading.