Attic Framing Terms

Stick truss roof framing.

Attic framing terms.

A building s frame is the skeleton that supports all of the finishing features like drywall doors windows and even your roof. Top plate or plates in conventional western platform framing there are two top plates. 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. Framing terms knowing the basic vocabulary is a necessary part of your work as a builder. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. Roof pitches commonly range from 4 12 to 8 12.

The angle of the roof slope measured as x inches per 12 x 12. In the following section we ll cover some of the more common roof and rafter terms you ll need. Here is a closer look at common roofing terms. Standard stick framing or the newer truss framing.

The roof rafters provide integral structural support to the roof. 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. However green building uses a single top plate and ensures that rafters and ceiling joists sit on the plate directly over the studs. When repairing or replacing a roof it pays to be familiar with these terms.

Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. Attic flooring intended for a living space must be installed. Nearly all roofs are framed using one of two methods. Back to alphabetical list hip roof.

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. Roof framing can be simple or complex depending on the roof. If you re familiar with basic carpentry and framing techniques installing decking for attic storage is a diy friendly project. Overhangs hips and dormers add greatly to the complexity of the framing.

Before you cut your boards you ll need to measure the width of your building and calculate the exact length of each rafter. Sway bracing there are a few ways to sway brace the wall. Roof framing involves a lexicon all its own. Roof features associated with basic roof framing terms are shown in figure 2 2.