Attic Framing Terms

Nearly all roofs are framed using one of two methods.

Attic framing terms.

Stick truss roof framing. Framing terms knowing the basic vocabulary is a necessary part of your work as a builder. 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. If you re familiar with basic carpentry and framing techniques installing decking for attic storage is a diy friendly project.

Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. Standard stick framing or the newer truss framing. Roof pitches commonly range from 4 12 to 8 12. When repairing or replacing a roof it pays to be familiar with these terms.

Sway bracing there are a few ways to sway brace the wall. If you re framing a gable roof on a new house or building a shed or even a doghouse with a gable roof you ll need to cut a number of roof rafters. Roof framing terms are related to the parts of a triangle. To calculate a roof s pitch place a carpenter s level positioned level on roof line measure out 12 on the level from that 12 point measure down to the roof line.

Roof framing can be simple or complex depending on the roof. Roof features associated with basic roof framing terms are shown in figure 2 2. In the following section we ll cover some of the more common roof and rafter terms you ll need. However green building uses a single top plate and ensures that rafters and ceiling joists sit on the plate directly over the studs.

Back to alphabetical list hip roof. The roof rafters provide integral structural support to the roof. The angle of the roof slope measured as x inches per 12 x 12. Top plate or plates in conventional western platform framing there are two top plates.

Here is a closer look at common roofing terms. Before you cut your boards you ll need to measure the width of your building and calculate the exact length of each rafter. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. This is to help prevent deflection and sag in the roof.

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. Includes illustrations that show roofs have hip rafters ridge boards jack rafters and more. Roof framing involves a lexicon all its own. Overhangs hips and dormers add greatly to the complexity of the framing.