Roofing Terms

Front

Truss

Back

A framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure.

Front

Sprocketed Eaves

Back

A type of eave that projects outward and upward, often used in traditional architecture.

Front

Hipped Roof

Back

A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope.

Front

Gable End

Back

The generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof.

Front

Rafter

Back

A beam forming part of the internal framework of a roof.

Front

Valley Roof

Back

A roof design that includes a valley, which is the internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Front

Jack Rafter

Back

A shortened rafter that spans from a wall plate to a hip or from a valley to a ridge.

Front

Ridge Board

Back

The horizontal timber or beam at the top of the roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened.

Front

Fascia

Back

A board that is mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer walls of the house, often used to hold the rain gutter.

Front

Gambrel Roof

Back

A type of roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper slope, often seen in barns.