Attic Framing Terminology

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.

Attic framing terminology.

Key timber frame terminology. A term used to describe a pitched roof the ends of which are also sloped. A framing member that supports the cut ends of studs or joists usually over a window or door or at either end of a floor or ceiling opening. Triangular upper part of wall at the end of a ridge roof hipped roof.

Cement mortar filler on top of a chimney stack at the base of chimney pots or protruding flues. When repairing or replacing a roof it pays to be familiar with these terms. Framing terms knowing the basic vocabulary is a necessary part of your work as a builder. The top horizontal framing members of a framed wall.

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. Includes illustrations that show roofs have hip rafters ridge boards jack rafters and more. A building s frame is the skeleton that supports all of the finishing features like drywall doors windows and even your roof. Roof framing terms are related to the parts of a triangle.

Valley the inward angle of two sloping roof sections. Back to alphabetical list hip roof. Gable end and gable end attic vent. Roof features associated with basic roof framing terms are shown in figure 2 2.

Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. In the following section we ll cover some of the more common roof and rafter terms you ll need. Top plate or plates in conventional western platform framing there are two top plates. These are short spars that run from a hip to the eves or from a ridge to a valley.

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. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. Sway bracing there are a few ways to sway brace the wall. 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.

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. This is to help prevent deflection and sag in the roof. However green building uses a single top plate and ensures that rafters and ceiling joists sit on the plate directly over the studs.