Roof Designs

CHAPTER

-1
I.

Objectives

Key Terms
Term s

After
Aftt'r complelhlg
compte/ illg this
this chapter,
elln/lfer, YOII
you will be able
obII' fa:
fo:
Identify and sketch 12 different types of
basic roof designs.
that has a typical roof slope
Draw a roof thai

box
box cornice
dear
clear span
close cornice
cornice
downspout
downs pout
flashing
Oashing
free-form roof
gable end
gusset
gutter
lookout
open cornice

(pitch).

Describe the cons

construction
tnlction of a typical
typicaJ
frame roof.
Explain
Expla
in the importance of proper attic
ven tilation and roof flashing.
ventilation
flas hing.
Compa
Compare
re the advantages and
d isadva
is.:ldvantages
ntages of new roofing materials.
Explain the purpose of a roof pplan.
lan.

Types of Roofs
appearance of a home is grea
greatly
The overall "ppe<lrunce
tl y
affected by the roof lines and materials used
for roof construction. See Figure
Figu re 16-1.
161 . The
desiSl,er
designer has m,my
many standard styles
s tyles from which
to choose. llle
The chosen style should complement
complemen t
the basic design of the home being constructed.
constnlcteci.
Fig
ure 16-2
]6-2 sshows
hows several roof types used in
Figure
residential construction. These types are discussed in the following sections.
sections.

Printed for:

plumb cu t
ra fter
rafter
rake
rise
roof framing plan
roof pilch
p ilch
roof pplan
lan
roof ssheathing
heathing
roof slope
roof truss
<un
run

warped roof

Gable Roof
roof with a
g<lble roof is a triangular
triangu lar rooF
The gable
gable at each end. This type of roof is easy to
buiild,
bu
ld, sheds water
wa ter well, provides
prov ides for
fo r venti
ventilation,
lation,
and can be applied to a variety of hhouse
ouse shapes
and designs.

Winged
Winge.l Gable Roof
The winged
w inged gable roof is essentially a gable
roof extended at the peak. Lookout rafters are
necessary to provide ssupport
necess.lry
upport for the increased
overhang. This style of roof provides an attractive
design feature on the roof.

367
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hts rese

Se1:tion
Section 3

Plan
Pl<ln Oc\'clopment
Development

Figu re 16-1. The architect's complex roof design and choice of roofing materials had a significant
Figure
sign ificant impact
on the finished appearance of this residence. Notice that aalthough
ltho ugh the roof line is complex and two
d ifferent
sl)'le of the house. (Pilato
(Photo Courtesy ofJIII"''5
James
ifferen t roofing
roofi ng materials
m.lterials are used, the overall design fits the style

Hardie
Hardi~

Siding Prodrlds)
Products)

A hip roof is simila r to a gable roof, but the

hip roof has a sloped roof section, or hip, at the
ends instead of gables. It is sligh
slightly
diftly more dif
i.ld than a gable roof,
roof. but it is still a
ficu lt to bu iJd
popular choice. It does not provide for ventilation
as well as some oother
ther roof designs.

s],ingles.
sh ingles. A built-up roof consists of layers of
roofing felt and ta
tarr or some other material, such
as rubber topped w
wiith
th gravel.
g ravel. Actually, most
tched at about 1/8"
1/ 8" to
so-called fla
natt roofs are pi
p itched
1 /2" per foot
drainage.
fool to aid in d
rainage. 11,e
The flat roof is
popular in warmer areas of the country where
popuJar
wide overhangs are desirable for shade
s hade and
w
here little or no snow falls.
where

Dutcl. Hip Roof

Dutch

S/w,l Roof
Shed

TI,e
hlp roof is basica lly a hip roof with
The Dutch hip
w ith
gable
a small gab
le at each end. The gable typically
h ips.
extends up at a steeper angle than the hips.
These gables can provide ventila
tion if vents
ventilation
lled. HO\\'ever,
However, the vents a lso increase
installed.
are insta
the chance of
o f leakage.

A shed roof is similar to a fl at roof, but has

itch. It is frequently
freq uently used for addi
additi.ons
more ppitch.
tions to
th other
existi ng structures or in combination wi
with
roof styles. A built-up roof is genera lly required
unless the
U,e roof has a pitch of more
morc than 3:12, or
three feet of rise for each 12 fee lt of run.

Flat Roof

Gambrel Roof

natt roof is the most economical roof to

A fla
butt it does not add much to the design
construct, bu
o f most houses. It requires a "built-up" or mem
memof
ra ther than conventional
bbr<lIle
rane roof covering rather

The gambrel roof is sometimes called a bam

ba m
bMns.
roof because it has been used extensively on hams.
The roof has Iwo
two different slopes. The s teeper
side slopes provide additional
ad d itional headroom in the

Hip Roof

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Chapter 16

Roof Designs

369

A-Frame Roof

attic or second story of a building. In residential

housing, a gambrel roof is often used to make
the attic usable for
fo r additional living space.

Mansard
MatlSard Roof
The mansard roof is a French design named
after the French archi tect Francois Mansart.
Mans<"ut. It is
similar to the gambrel roof, but the space under
the roof is almost always used as living space.
gamb rel, it is more difficult
d ifficult to construct
Like the gambrel,
than the hip or gable roof.

The A-frame roof provides not only a roof,

but also the walls of the structure. OriginalJy,
Originally, it
was used
u sed for cottages. However, it has also been
applied to homes, churches, and other strucfor
tures. The pitch of the roof generally allows tor
two
hvo floors, but the second floor is much smaller
than the
th e tirst
first floor and is often uused
sed as a loft.

o
Gable

Winged Gable

Hi,
Hlp

[~~]
t~~] tiS
t~~] -d r
tC1 [~~]
Dutch Hip

E3

Flat

[[~~ro
m~~ro

Gambrel

t!el

J]

Mansard

[[[0
[[ill]
CVV')
~

Butterfly

LI
LJ

e~
t~

8B

Folded Plate

Shed

1:----:1
1:----11 !f;d
tS:J
L ____ --'

A-Frame

.wt
truer
DJ]
[IJ] IT
poe)
f""'9

El
6

Curved Panel
Pallel

Figu[(' 16-2. Any of these roof designs may be used in residenti<ll

Figure
residential construction. Some designs are more
popu lar than others.

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Section
Section 33

370
370

Plan
Pilln Development
De\'clopment

Roof
Butterfly Roof
The butterfly roof is
is not widely used.
used. From
the early 1970s,
19705. some contemthe 1950s through the
bui lt with aa butterfly roof.
porary homes were built
However, this type
type of roof is now rare in new
However,
A butterfly roof has the advantage
construction.. A
construction
ventilation..
of providing pplenty
lenty of light and ventilation
is aa problem.
problem. Flashing
Rashing should
However. drainage is
However,
extend far up each slope along the valley to
leaking.
prevent lea
king.

Folded
Fo/dec' Plate Roof
plate roof has limited use in
The folded plate
Single-family houses. However, itit is sometimes
condo min
iums. motels, and small
used in ssmall
mall condom
iniums,
buiildings.
ldings. Modula
Modular,
commercial bu
r, prefabricated
roof units are
<lJ'e available.
available. However, this roof has
lhes.lmedrninage
probJemsas
the
same d rainage problems
as the butterfly roof.

Curved Panel Roof

s imilar to the
The curved panel roof is similar
folded plate roof in sstyle
tyle and application. It has
limited use in home construction.
construction. This roof has
S<lme drainage problems as the butterfly
the same
plate
and folded pla
te roofs.

Fig ure 16-3. The roof of

of the
the Kresge Auditorium
Audito rium at
at
Figure
an example of
of aa warped
warped roof. The curvature
cu rvnture
MIT is an
of the roof is controlled by complex
complex mathematical
milthemiltical
formula
s. (forge
form ulas.
(Jorge Sa/cedo/Shlltterslock.com)
5llIcedo/Sllllllersloc/.:.com)

forr this roof. It is sprayed over a

of material fo
nnehvork
etwork of pipes and net material. It is s trong
weather
roof,
and wea
ther resistant. Like the warped roof.
hhowever,
owever, a free-form roof is expensive to bui
ld
build
and has limited application in residential
cons
truction.
construction.

Contemporary Roof Types

Con/c"'I,orary
Several roof types that do not belong to the
other categories have been used in recent years.
Although the details of these roofs vary, they can
genera lly be classified as contempora
contemporary
generally
ry styles.
styles.
Warped roofs are limitless in design. See
Figu re 16-3.
16-3 . The most common shape for a
warped roof is a<I hyperbolic p<lraboloid,
paraboloid, which
w<lrpcd
g ives the roof <In
an appea
rance similar to a<I kite in
appenrance
gives
flight. Warped roofs m<ly
may be constructed from
plywood,, or pl<lstics.
plastics. Because
concrete, molded plywood
this type of roof is very complex and expensive
Ihis
eXJX'llsive to
<lpplk<ltion for residential construction
build, its application
is limited .
freed om is possible with the
Complete freedom
free-form roof. It may include pplanar,
lanar, curved,
and warped surfaces.
Figure
surfaces. See Figu
re 16-4. This type
of roof can be produced in any shape that can
be achieved by stretching fabric over a support
frame. The final
materi<ll is applied to
fin al roofing material
the fabric. Urethane
Uretlmne foam is a popular choice
Printed for:

Green
Architecture
Living Roofs
States.
In many cities across the United States,
are becoming a popular alternative
to traditional roofs. A living roof is one that has
been covered with soil and is capable of growing
live plants. Living roofs provide many benefits.
They can be used to grow food
food,, for example.
They also provide excellent insulation for the
building
building,, which can reduce heating and cooling
costs. In addition, they help reduce storm water
runoff.
te habitat for wildlife,
runoff, crea
create
wildlife. and may even
help lower air tempera
temperatures
ci ties.
tures in large cities.
~]jving roofsroofs~
~Iiving

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Chapter 16

Roof Designs

371

Traditional Frame
Roof Construction
The feahtres of traditiona
traditionall frame roof construction are covered in the next sections. It is
important to understand these features and their
impact on the roof before designing a fram
framee roof.

Rafters

Figure 16-4. This detail photo of the roof of

Denver International Airport shows the complex
shapes that can be accomplished in a free-form
roof. (Ambielllldeas/SJmtterslock.com)
(Ambiellt Ideas/SJwllerstock.com)

The roof framing is designed to support

the roof covering materials. The framing must
be strong and rigid. Roof framing consists of
several distinct structural elements.
e lements. The first
and most basic of these elements is the ra/f
rafter.
er.
Common rafters are perpendiculaJ
perpendicular to the top
wall plate. They extend from the ridge of the
roof to the plate or beyond. Figure 16-5 sshows
hows a
plan vview
iew of the roof framing for a combination
hip and gable roof. Note that several types of
common rafters are identified.
rafters other than conunon

~:::tHiP
~---1-

Hip

Gable

Ridge board
boo"

typical roof framing are identified here.

Figure 16-5. The structural members of typical

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Section 3

372

Rafters are cut to the proper dimensions

by locating the ridge cut, sea t cu
cut,i, plumb cu t,
and tail
taiJ cut,
ClIt, as shown in Figure 166.
16-6. Note that
a plumb Cllt
Cl/t is any cut that is vertical or perpendicular to the ground, so technically, both the
ta il cut and the ridge cuts
tail
cu ts arc
are also pplumb
lumb cuts.
The precise layout of these cuts is determined by the slope of the roof and the clear span
of the buil
buildjJlg.
ding. Terms that must be understood
before calculating rafter dimensions and roof

pitch are clear

clenr 5,'on,
51'(111, rise, and rlllI.
rim. The clear spall
spml

Ridge cut (plumb

(ph,m'",;t)
cuI)

Plan Development

is the horizontal distance

djstance from the inside of one
exterior stud wall to the inside of the opposite
exterior shld wall.
waU. The rise of a roof is the vertical
dis
distance
tance measured from the top of the wall
p late to the underside of the rafters. The rull of
a roof is one-half the distance of the clear span.
See Figure 16-7.
Roof slope, or roof pitch,
pitch, is the slant o f the
roof. The slope may be given on a drawing by
sh owing a slope ratio diagram or a fractional
showing
ppitch
itch indication, as shown in Figure ]6-7. The
slope diagram is a triangle that represents the
ratio between the rise and run of the roof. The run
is always expressed in this ratio as 12 units. The
fractional
fract ional pitch is calculated using this formula:
Pitch = Rise / Clear Span

Seat cut

cut (plumb cut)

Figure 166.
16-6. A common rafter
rafte r with the various
cuts labeled.

"Slo,,.
,'Slo,,,, diagram shows
roof Slope
slope

Figure 168 shows several roof pitches that

arc commonly used in residential
are
residen tial construction.
you can help keep costs
Wllen
When designing a roof, YOll
d own by using one of these standard roof pitches.
down
lso be shown using
usi.ng an
Roof slope may aalso
angular dimension. For exam
example,
ple, a roof with a
450 slope has a 12:12 or 1 /2 pitch. However, this
45
method is seldom used because it is difficult to
m easu
easure
re as accurately
accu rately as the other methods.
method s.
Rafter sizes depend on the distance to be
spanned, spacing of the rafters, and weight to be
s pecies
ssupported.
upported. Rafter span data for corrunon species
of wood is given in Figure 16-9.
]6-9. Rafters for roofs

=Rise :; Run

Slope (pilch) ::
::
'"
Pilch
::
Pilch:::

5S :12
: 12 slope
Rise
Span
:: 5124 pilch

Ovemang

Figure 16-7. This illustra

illustration
tion shows the roof rise, run,
rWl, and span, and h\'o
two methods of calculating the
slope (pitch) of the roof.

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Chapte
Chapterr 16

Roof Designs

373

Run In
in Url<ts
u~ i t s

in unots
units
Clea r span
spat1 ir>

Figure 16-8. Several roof pitches (slopes) used in residential construction.

Figu[e
cons truction.

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Section 3

374

Pion
Plan Development

RAFTER
RA FTER SPANS
SPA NS FO
FOR
R COMMON LUMBER
LU MBE R SPECI
SPECIES
ES

(Rool live load,,20

(Roollive
load",20 psi,
psi , ceil
ceiling
ing not altached
attached to rafters, LIt."
L /<l." 180)

RAFTER
SPACING
(Incites)
(InChell

"

"

19.2

SPECIES AND GRADE

Dougla5
Douglas lir-Iarch
lir-larch
Dougla5 lir-Iarch
Douglas
lir-larch
Douglas lir-larch
fi .... larch
Douglas fi .... larch
H('m-fir
H"m -fir
Hem -fir
H"tn-fir
Hem-fir
Hem -fir

SS
5'

Southern
Southcm pine
Southem
Sollthern pine
Southern pine
Sollthem
Southern
pine
Soothern pille
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pint"-fir
Spruce-pine-/ir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce- ine-fir

SS
5'

Douglas firlarch
fir-larch
Douglas lir-Iarch
lirla rch
Douglas fir-larch
Douglas fir-larch
Hem fir
Hemfir
Hemfir
Hem
fir
Hem fir
fir
Hemfir
H"mfir
Southern
Southem pille
pine
Southern pine
Sollthern
Southern pine
pilw
Southern pine
Spruce-pine-/ir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruc<'--pi",,-fir
SpruC<'-pi".,...iir
Spruce- i",,fir
inc-fir
Douglaslir-Iarch
Douglas fir-larch
Douglaslir-l,uch
Douglas fir-larch
Douglas fir-larch
Douglas fir-larch
Hemfir
Hemfir
Hem fir
Hemfir
Hemfir
H"mfir
Southern pine
Southern
pine
s.:.llthcrn pill"
Southern pine
Sollihern
Southern pine
Spruce-pine-fir
Sp
ruC<'-p i",,-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
SpruC<'-pin.. -/ir
SpruceSprue<,-- ine-fir
hoe-fir

Printed for:

,..
h'

h
h ..

hO

2 )( 10
2"

(feet
Inc hu)
hes)

(feel ,Inches)
Inchoas,

(feelIndlul
Inches)

(feel
(Ieel InchltS)
Inches)

(feet
(feet
Inches)

(feel '
(Ieel

,_.

Inchea)

Inches)
Inchea)

,,~
n~

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OEAD
LOAD." 20 psI
DEAD LOAO

,..

111
lI1

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OEAD LOAO.
LOAO ~ 10 psI
pat

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20-3
'~3
,5-4
154

\4-7
,3-8
l2-11
12-11

10
..
IO~
7-11
7-1 1
10-7
1M
9-10
9-10
~IO
' 5

,, ~

Noteb
Noteb
Not,'b

179
16-7
127
19-2
192
'74

8-11
~II
6-9

93
'3
9'

Note b
Notcb
Note b
Noleb

25-11

!5-'

,,~
~

03
SS
5'

,.5

IS- II
IS-II
1717-11
11

'~9
,~,

,.,

(feel-

....
,.,

....."
'"'

.3
6-3

12-2
n ...
114
M
~7

,...

11 -10
10
11-2
~,
8'
'5-,
'5-2

2 :<
x 10
l0

2d2
2 )( 12

{Ieel '
InchM)
Inchea,

(feelInches)
Inchea)

((Ieelfeet
Inches)
Inchea,

23-5
n,
195
182
]39
m

Note
Noteb
b

Noleb
Nole
Noleb
b

ll'

Note
Notcbb

,.,

".,

18-11
17-11

13-9
234
21-9
19-5
14- 10
14-10
21 -9
18-2
18-2
13-9
20-3
16-10

'34

"
m. ,

,,..
,., '"
'"
""

22)

'CO

m
23-2
21-11
169
'CO
Note
Notcbb
25-10

m
23-2

".

114
~,
6-,

Notcb
Noleb
Notc
Noleb
b
25-,
>5-5

,,..
""

Nokbb
Not"
Noteb
Not" b
Nol<:
Notebb

'H

,..11
20-11

,.,

Noteb
22-3
"22-3
3

Noteb
NOkb
25-9
" 9
25-9

"'-,

24-9
249

Nole
Notebb
23-10

,,~
159
11
II--11
II
19-11

,,,. "..
,.,
""
,.,
,.,; "
193

...
,., ,,<-<
,I><>
""". "'"
,,.,;
...
n-ll
'U

16-5

IS-1J
IS-II

II-II
21-2
lS-1O
IS-lO
16-10
12- 10
12-10
lSIS-IO
l0
15-9
15-9
11-11
1111

Notcb

"ll4
,,.,
'5-2
=
"'"
...

'~ 1'
2~

'"
m
'"
,,~
,,~

,.,

18..
""
154
"4

22-7

"4
10-10

17-7

.....
,., '"
,~,

,,~

14-2
10-10
100lO
19_11
19-11
17-2

ll3
"3
184
IS-4
17-4
"4
1H
25-5
"5

'"

'''' '" ,''"'...

'3-8
11_1\
11 -11
'93
3

,.,
" n...
,.,
n4
"4
;<,
5-10

h.

2~'
'~5

13-10

,,~

17-7
17-7
177
!3-3

10-10

,,~

Hi-IO
16-10
Notcb
Noteb
Note
Notebb
23-7
18-1
Notcbb
Note
22-4
...

,,.,

"
"
16-10
,,~

...
16-Hl

Noleb
Noteb
M
21 9
2<>--1
2<>4
15-5
25-,
25-9
21-3
2(). ,
"'-,

15-5
Note
Notebb

..

,'--'
"4
21 ..

21~

11
\1 -9
17-2
17 2

,'--'
,'--'
"4

ll~

...
16-10
Noteb
Notcb
23-3

21~

'"

'M;

,...
,...
,,~
2'--'

2M
2M

'5-,
'"

(COlllmlled)
(con/llll1cd)

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Chapter 16

Roof Designs

375

RAFTER SPANS FOR COMMON L

LU
UMBER
MBER SPEC IES (contitllJed)
(CO/llintJed)

psI, ceiling
ce iling 001
not attached 10
to rafters , L/<i"
LI<i" 180)
(Roof live load,,20 p$f,
DEAD LOAD
LOAD.. 10 ps it
RAFTER
SPACtNG
SPACING
(Iocllet )
(Inches)

SPECtES
SPECIES AND
AN D GRADE
GRA DE

'"h '

h .
"h ,. ".

,_. ,_.
(leet

"

Douglas fir-larch
fir lan;h
Douglas fir-larch
firlan;h
Douglas fir-larch
firlan;h
Douglas (i
.... !~n;h
fir-larch
Hemfir
Hem-fir
Hem-fir
Hemfi r
Hem fir
Hem-fir
Hem-fir
Hem fir
Suuthern
Soulh~m pine
Soulhem
Suuthern pine
Soulhom1 pine
Suuthern
Soulhern
Southern pine
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pine-lir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pin.,...fir
Spruce-pine-fir
Spruce-pinefir

(feel ,(""'I
Inch",,)
'''''hat )

,.,
.,
" "
" .,
.'",
" .,
55
.., ''''
"
.,
"" .,
""
'30
" ., '"
Inch",,))
I""hes

S5
55

Inches))
Inc"",
,,~
"4

,,~
,,~

S5

...,

7-11
711

S5
55

8-11
~II

11-9
119

~W
~IO

,3-6
12-3
123
11-7
117
8-10
~W
14-]
141

""

.,"""

12-3
123
%
9-6

.,'5 '"
'"'

.5
0-5

.,
8~
8~
S~

18~
,,~
17~

8'

55

18-tO
18-to
15-10
ISto
14-10
I~to
11-3
113
17-10
17to
(5.
156
14-8
,+8
11-3
113

,>3

11 -9
11 -9
8-10
"0

15-10
12-'
12'
17-5
14-10
U
14-10
-IO
11-3
1\-3

DEAD
DEAD LOAD . 20 ps iI

2 .~ 10

2 x 12

'" "h ,.

2 x l0
l0

(feel
Inchu)
Inches)

(feet
(Ieel -

(leet
(""'I -

(Ieel (feet

,_.

Inches)

Inches)

Inc hes))
l""hu

Inche, )
Inches)

lInches)
rochas)

ZH
'34

Note b
Nol"

>I'

19-5
195

n"

(Ieel(Ieel '

,.,
,'"
....

22-9
229
1I!1I
IB1I
17-10
1710

'"
23-8
'"
2"

21-1
211
]8-11
18-0

,_.

'04

"4

ll~

,0-9

""

]5-11
1511
Nute b
Nokb

25-,
25-2
25-2

,I<
2H
2H
21~

.n
.11

.,
"
5-3

,.,
'.2
,.

12-10
1210

'M
'M
'001

sn
~II

,~,

,'-,
,p
m
'30

,.,
,.,

12-10
1210

'03

,>5
m

..

,. ,".,..,,

(""'I -

2d2
2 x 12

(Ieel
(Ieet -

,.,
2C3
" 5
,., ""
,0-,
'"

IncheA)

23-5
,%
'~3

,~,

11 -10
10
19-10
1910

''"'
,5-0

m
139

,,~

'M

,,~

,S-<;

]7-11
1711
13-9
Note b
Nut"b
2]-9
219
]9-3
193
14-9
21 -9

!l
-IO
11 10
22-]]
22 11

"
'"
'54
,., 'M
,.,
,>'
., ,,,.
'"
,0<
,.,
,&-9
..."5-4 ,., "4,5-4 ,,.
o-n
'"
,., ., ,,.
'"
o-n
'"
01'

"5-3

15-11
IS-II

'>I
'"

10-10
1010

'3
' 3
.10
5-3
53
~3
' 5
5-7

n,
ll'
17-1
171

18-2

,.,
,.,

..,
' 5
'5

,,~
ll<
15-11
15
11
Nol" b
Not"
21 - 11
11
21

21-8
2"
,.2

m
"
""
Check sourccs
sources for ;!vailnbility
nvailnbility of lumber in lengths
lenglhs greater than
thnn 20 feet.
".,

'"h '

Mu lmum rail.,.
Mulmum
rahe< ,span,'
pan, '

141
12-3
123

(54

10-8
' 3
12-2

,.

,.3
'~3
'6-5

12-5
125

12-10
12-10
1210

"

'53
'>3
,.3
'>3

11-10
11 -10

13-9

For 51:
5 1: 1] inch = 25.4 mm, 1I foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0-179
0.0479 kl'a.
t... bulated rafter spans
~pans assume that ceiling joists are loca ted
space or that some other method
a. The '",bulated
tl>d at the bottom of the attic spoce
methocl
thc outward push of the mfters
of resisting the
rafters on the bearing walls,
wnl1s, such as
ns rnfter
rafter tics, is provid.xl.
provided nt
at tha
thntlocMion.
t location. When
ceiling joists or rafter ties are locat.xl.
located higher in Ihe
the allic
attic space, the rafter spans shall be multiplied by the factors given
below:
Rafter Span Adjustment
Ad justment Fac
Factor
tor

>/3
'/3

0.67

'/4
'/4

0.76

'/5
' /5

0.83

'/6

0.90

1/7.5 or less
Ie:;s

1.00

where:
He '"= Heigh
Heightt of ceiling joists or rafter tics
ties measured vertically abovc
nbove the top of the rafter support
supporl wnl1s.
walls.
H. = Height of roof ridge measured vertically
vertic~lly abovl'
above the top of the rafter support waHs.
walls.
Sp~n exca>ds
eXQ.>(.'ds 26 fect
f\.'Ct in length.
b. Span

Figure 169.
Determine
maximum
ra fter span
referring
16-9. Deter
m ine the max
im u m allowable
a llowa ble rafter
sp an by refe
rring to this table. The ra fter span
sp an
is the
the hori
horizontal
zo n ta l di
distance
stance between
bet w een sup
supports
ports.. This
T h is is not
no t to be confu
confused
sed wi
with
th rafte r len
length,
g th, w
which
h ich must
m u st
be calculated
calc u la ted us
using
ing the rise
risc and rrun
u n of the
th e roof. The table
ta ble ass
assum
umes
es a maximum
m aximum deflectio
d eflection
n o f 1!180th
1 /180 th of
the sp aann wi
w ith
th a normal
norma ) live load . (Table R802.5.1(1) excerpted fran!
from the 2012 [lltCflllltiollal
/l1tenmtio ,m/ Residelltia/
ResidClltial Code,
Code,
Copyright 2011 . Washillgtoll,
Washillgto", D.C.:
D.C.: lntematiolllli
il1iefl/atiO/w/ Code Coulleil. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved.
reserved.

www.ICCSAFE.org)
wimll.lCCSAFE.org)

Printed for:

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

376
376

Sec
tion 3J
Section

Plan
Plan Development
Development

with
low slopes
slopes may also
also serve
serve as
as a base for
for the
the
w
ith low
In this
this instance, they are acting
acting
finished
ceiling. In
fm
is hed ceiling.
as
as both rafters
rafters and
and ceiling joists.
joists. See
See Figure
Figure 16-10.

Cornice

Rafler
Circular
Circular vent
venl

overha ng of
o f the roof
roof at
The cornice is the overhang
the eave
cave line tha
thatt forms aa connection
connection between
the
side walls.
wa lls. In aa gable
gable roof, itit is
is
the roof and side
fanned on two sides of
of the building.
build ing. The
lll(> cornice
formed
con tinues around aU
aU four
fou r sides on a hip or flat
continues
roof.
frequently
The three types of cornices frequen
tly
residentiall build
bUild ings are the open
used in residentia
cornice, box corn
cornice,
ice, and close cornice.
corn ice. The
open com
( omiice
opel!
ce may be used with exposed-beam
construction, contemporary, or rustic designs.

_Wood
shingles

Ceiling Joist

Hoozontal
HOfllOlllal
sieling

""""

Figure 16-11
16n . This S(>Ction
section view shows an
nn open
cornice.
corn ice.

16-11. Rafter ends are exposed and

See Figure ]611.
are usually
lI suolly tapered or
o r curved to preven t a bulky
appearance.
appeara
nce.
beh vecn the end
In aII box candee,
comice, the space between
of a projecting rafter and the wa
wallll is enclosed
with
w
ith a soffit board. There are three basic types
ooff box cornices: the narrow box, wide
w ide box with
lookou ts, an
and
wid e box without
withou t lookouts.
lookou ts. A
lookouts,
d wide
narrow
na
rrow box cornice is us
usually
ua lly bctwf..'en
between 6" and
12'" wide. The soffit board is nailed
nai led ddirectly
irectly
12"
ide of the I'nftcrs,
wn in
to the bottom
bollo m sside
rafters, as s ho
hown
Figu re 1612.
id e box cornice
corn ice with lookouts
wide
Figure
16-12. A w
nonn
all y requires add
itionall ssupport
upport memnormally
ad ditiona
calk>d lookollts,
bers, called
lookouts , for fasten ing the soffi
soffit.t.

Figure ]6-13
16-13 shows
s hows a wide box cornice with
w ith
ithout lookouts
lookou
ts. A
A wide box cornice w
without
lookouts.
h as a sloped soffit. The soffit material is nailed
to the underside of the rafters. This type of
cornice is frequently
fn."q uently used when the overhangs
are very w ide. See Figure ]6-14.
1614.
cornice is one in which
A
A close COn/ice
w h ich the rafter
wall.l. The roof is
d oes not p roject beyond the wal
moldin g. See
terminated by a frieze board and mOlding.
Figu re 16-15.
Figure
1615.

Ratter

Ceiling joist

Nalhng
header

Fascia
L""",,"'
ratier

Double
lop
top plate
plale

Figure 16-10.
rs in th
is low-pi
tch(.'Cl roof
16-10. The
The rafte
rafters
this
low-pitched
also
serve as
as ceiling
ceiling joists.
joists.
also scrve

Printed for:

Frieze board
and molding

""','

Siding

16-12. This section

5(c'Ction view shows a na
narrow
Figure 1612.
rrow
box cornice.

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Chapler 16

Roof Designs

377

__ Wood
Wood shingle
shingle
roofing
rooling

eelhnQlst
Ceiling joist

Trim
Tom

Frieze board

Nailin
header

,'Horizontal
HOrizontal Siding
siding
L
.J"
L..--""

Lookout
lookout

Soffit
', - Solht
Siding

Figure 16-13. This section view shows a wide box

with
cornice wi
th lookouts.

Rake
Ru/w or Cable
Guble Eud
End
gab le eud
The rllke
rake: or gable
elld is the extension of a
gable roof beyond the cnd
end wall
waU of the house.
The amount ooff overhang and treatment at the
gable sshould
hould be about the same as the cornice.
The style of house must be considered when
designing the gable end. A
A narrow box cornice
is norrnalJy
normally used for Cape Cod or colonial homes.
The same
S<"lme proportions should be extended to

Starting course
asphalt shingle

Ceiling joist

Vertical
siding

F~

Figure
on view
Figure 16-14.
'16-14. This secti
section
\'iew shows
shows a wide
wide box
cornice without lookouts.
lookouts.

Printed for:

This
typicall
Figure 16-15. Th
is section view shows a typica
close cornice.

the gable end

end.. For example, if a close cornice
hould also be used.
is used, then an close rake sshould
fra ming for a gable
Figure
Fig ure 16-16 shows the framing
A close rake is less
end with a wide overhang. A
buiild,
ld, bu lt wide overhangs provide
expensive to bu
for side wa
wallll protection and less frequent
painting.
painting.

Roof Trusses
T'lIsse.
ss is an assembly of members
The roof tru
t",SS
that form a rigid framework
fra mework of triangular shapes.
This arrangement permits wide, unsupported
u nsupported
spans with
w ith a minimum amoun
amountt o
off material.
Figure 16-17 shows several roof truss designs.
tion nceded
needed to purchase the
information
The informa
pproper
roper truss for a house includes the span, roof
pi
tch, spacing of the trusses, and anticipated
pitch,
roof load.
loa d. A
A roof that
tha t ca n ssuppo
upport
rt a load
loa d of
40 pounds per square
sqlJare foot
foo t is adequate
adequa te for most
applications.
Most roof
rovide
roof truss manufacturers
manufacture rs pprovide
design services.
scrvic(.'5. Some manufacturers also use
CADD sofhvare
software that produces aa truss design
tha
thatt will
wil l support the required load for the
specified span. Similar
Sim ilar software is avaiJable
ava ilable to
individua
ls.
individuals.
Lightweight
Lightweight wood roof trusses
trusses are designed
to sspan
pan distances of 20' to 32', and in some
instances even more. Most lightweight
lightw'eight trusses
are made
6 lumber
m.lde from 2 xx 4 lumber; however, 22 x 6lwnber

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Section 3

378

Plan Development

:;---R,d9'
:;---Rid9' ""',d
b",,'
Lookout

-,Com",,"
/Com",,," rafter

Double rafter

Gable end
studs

It
Wall studs

Figure 16-16. This framing is for a gable end with a wide overhang.
overhang.

may be used for wider spans and heavier

heav ier loads.
Prefabricated
Prefabrica ted trusses are readily available for
standard widths and pitches.
pitches . In many cases, they
are less expensive than conventional framing.

Trusses fo r nonstandard dimensions may be

built on the site or factory-produced.
Wood t russes that are commonly used in
residential construction are the Fink (W) truss,
king-post (K-post) truss, and scissors truss.
truss.
Details of these truss designs are shown in
Figure 16-18. Most trusses are
a re designed to be
placed 24"OC. Ceiling materials arc
are nailed to
the bottom of the trusses. Gussets made from
metal or 3/8" or 1/2" p
plywood
lywood arc frequen
frequently
tly
used to fasten the members of a wood truss
together, as shown in Figure 1619.
1 6~19 . The gussets
add strength to the truss assembly.
thatt extend the top chord vertiRoof trusses tha
using
"ra ised heel" design provide addically usi
ng a "raised
tional sspace
pace for ceiling insulation, as shown
show n in
Printed for:

Figure 16-20. This construction allows the ceiling

insu lation to be extended to the outside
insulation
outsi de of
the exterior wa
wallll without interfering with attic
ventilation. This amount of insulation is generally
n ot possible with
w ith traditional roof framing
methods.
red uces moism ethods. The increased airflow reduces
hire condensation on the underside of th
htre
thee roof
sneathing
sheathing and prevents damage to the structure.

Ventilation
Provid ing for adequate ventilation in the
Providing
ventila tion
attic space is a necessity. If sufficient ventilation
is not provided, moisture will form on the
underside of the roof sheathing and,
and , in time,
Wlderside
damage will result. Also, a well-ventilated attic
will help to cool
cool the interior of the house d uring
th
allow ing heat to escape.
thee summer by allowing
Ventilation in the attic space is usually accomplished
through the use ooff louvered openings
p lished tluough

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

Chapter
Chap te r 16

Roof Designs

379

~~
~~
~~
~~
Step Truss

~~?1~ ~ ..'"

~~
~
Inverted

INtJNIZIVlIZII
INNNk7"1l/1l/11
Flat

Irv~1

I~~II
I~V'II

FloorTruss-Bottom
Floor Truss-Bottorn Chord Bearing

~
~

~~
~~I
IV~I

1~
~"vIl1
"v11

Floor Truss-Top Chord Bearing

Figure 16-1'.
16-17. Examples of roof truss designs. Note that the number of webs and web configurations may
vary from
here.
from those shown here.

Printed for:

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

Section 3

,,1<1
''''

1/4
114 span

Plan Development
Pion

Approximate
Aw,oxlmale Maximum Span

Span lor 2 " 44

1-112"

m.'
20' -1T

"r

25'-1j
2S'-{I

"'~
27'..(j
27'-0"
~' .(i

21112"
2
12"

"

29'-0"
2S' -0"

4,5,6"
4,
5,6"

Span lor 2 " 6

30'-0'
30'-032'-033'0'
)3'0'
37'-0"
37'0",0W ..

"',.

12

s:::l

113 span
Span

Approximate Mnlmum
Awro.Jmale
Mulmum Span

Spanlor2
Span lor 2 x 4

m,,.
"-0"

1 1/2"

7r
2-112"
2
1/:!"

2S'-()"
2S'.()"

"'-0"
"'~
27'.ff
27'4"

"

28'-0"
~'~

4. 5, 6 "

..

Span
5p.8n 10<"
1(1<" 2 x 6

,.,030'0"
",033',0"
33'0'
37'0'
37'0"
40'0'
",0-

"'

12

::sJx
~x

12

X~

Span

B
8
Approximate Maximum
Mulmum Span
AWl'Ol<imate

114 span

Spanl0<2 x 4

4,5,8"
4,
5,S"

26'-0"
2S'-()"

Span lor 2 x 6

12

;:::lx
~
x
Span

c
Figure 16-1 8. There are three common types ooff trusses.
trusses. AA - The Fink or W truss. B-The king-post or
K-post truss. C-The
C- The scissors truss.

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Chapter
Chapte r 16

Roof Designs

38]
381

Figure 16-19. Trusses are often assembled

assc mbled with gussets. A-Mel.l1
A- Met.l1 gussets. BB-- Plywood gussets.

underside
ide of
in the gable ends and along the unders
the overhang. Ridge ventilators also provide an
efficient means of expelling hot air when coupled
with soffit
soffi t openings. See Figure 16-21. The d
dififference between the temperature of air in the
attic and the ou tside causes air movement and
thus reduces the temperature inside.

The total area of ven

ventila
tila tor openings should
be at least 1/300th of the ceiling area
a rea.. For
example, if the ceiling area is 1200 square feet,
ventila tor area should be a minimum
then the ventilator
of four square feet. Figure 16-22A sshhows
ows
several louvered gable-typ
severallouvercd
gable-typee ventilator openings.
Figure 16-228 shows a number of other types
of ventilators that can be added to the roof to
improve airflow.

Flashing
Flasl ..ing
Baffle
Battle

Insulation

Soflit vent
Soffit
Raised heel

Figure 16-20. Raised heel trusses provide sp.lce

space
for extra insulation without interfering with
ventilation.
\'entilation.
Printed for:

Fla shillg is used to shed water away from

areas of potential leakage. Flashing should be
used where the roof comes in contact with a wood
wOCJcl
wall, chimney, or roof vaJleyvalley-any
any
or masonry waU,
ele mentt that penetrates the roof. Wide sstrips
clemen
trips of
of
weather-resistant metaL such as aluminum, copper, and galvanized
gal vanized sheet steel, are commonly
used as flashing. Flashing is placed beneath
the surface material at
a t a distance sufficient to
prevent the penetration of water. Figure
Fig ure 16-23
shows flashing around a chimney.
Roof valleys may be flashed with metal or
two
hvo thicknesses of 90# roll-type
roU-type roofing. The
w
idth of valley fla
width
flashing
shing should be no less than
specified in the table in Figure 16-24.
Figure 16-25 shows vaUey
valley flashing
fl ashing under an
asphalt shingle roof.
roof. Often, a ribbon of asphaltroofing mastic is used wlder
under th
thee shingles
adjacen t to the valley flash
fl ash ing to aid
a id in wa terproofing the roof.

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

382

Section 3

Plan Development
Develo pment

Fig
ure 1&-2]
(Cor-A-Vt'l/I , IlIc.)
file.)
Figure
1 ~21.. Ridge vents provide
p rovid e ventilation along the ridge of the roof. (Cor-A-Vm/,

s mallll metal
meta l edging is no
normally
A sma
rma lly used at
the gab le and eaves line to act as a drip edge.
Th is fla shing prevents
from entering
preven ts water from
behind the shingles and protects the fascia and
rake boards.
See Fig ure 1626.
boards . Sec
1 6~2 6 .

lind Dmv-..spouts
Dutv1J.spouls
Cutters "nd
Glitters collect water from
from the roof and
d irect it to an outlet.
ou tlet. A d owll spo
spollt
direct
llt is a vertical
pipe thai receives the water from the gutler outlet.
An extension at the bottom of the downspout

~
Gable Vent

Eaves Vent

RoofVenl

.. '-..!
Cupola
Vent
CupolaVenl

Ridge Vent

Figure 16-22. A-Typical

A -Typical louvered
lou vercd gable-type
gnble-type ventilators. B-Several different
d ifferent methods of roof
re possible.
possible.
ventilation aare

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Chapter
Chapte r 16

Roof Designs

383

" ,-,
4-

Valley!
flashing

flash ing is
Figure 16-25. The width of valley flashing
dependent on the roof slope, but should be a
12"".
minimum of 12".

Asphalt
Figure 1623.
16-23. Flashing around a chimney is
composed of shingle flashing and counterflashing.

the trim on a house, or they can be painted a

contrasting color to add a design ele
element.
ment.
The standard length for a gutter segment
is 10'.
to'. However, many installers offer seamJess
seamless
gutters. Seamless gutters are manufactured to
on site or in the shop. Flat roll stock
length either on-site
is pplaced
laced in the machine and the fo rmed gutter
is prod
produced
uced to any needed length. Downspou
Downspouts
ts
and elbows can also be manufactu
manufactured
red on-site
simi lar machines.
using similar
4

directs water away from the house. This prevents

running directly off the eaves and
water from runni.ng
splattering
s plattering the house and running
wnning down the
foundation
founda
tion wall.
wall . Gutters are usually pi
pitched
tched 1"
} 41 /2" per 2',
to 1-1/2"
2'. This slope permits even fl ow
and preven ts water from stand
standing
ing in the gutter.
Several styles of gutters and downspouts
are ava ilable in copper, vinyl, alumin
alum in um, and
galvanized sheet metal. Several common shapes
and sizes of gutters
gu tters are shown in Figure
Figu re 16-27.
1&.27.
Gutters can be pa inted
in ted or finished to ma
match
Gutlers
tch

Roof Slope
S lope

Flashing Width

Less than 4:12

24"

4:12 to 7:12

18"

Over 7:12

12'
12"

Figure 1624.
16-24. Minimum flashing widths for
fo r
various roof slopes.

Printed for:

Figure 16-26. Drip edge flashing set above the

sheathing and down the side of the fascia board
prevents water from
from entering behind the shingles
and protects the fascia .

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Se1:tion
Sectio n 3

384

w
I

"

_I

J
~u
.
Beveled
Beve
led

Square

" >0'-

..

2
I i. '
2114-

23/.-

"'.11'2'"
. 1'2"

".

Plan Oc\'clopmenl
Pl<ln
Development

"

" 2" ).
Wj '23-112"
21142 14 " ,2-342':H" S"
3-12"
3-112" ~ rfI"
5-~ r
0'

".

."
.",.r'"

'"
'" r
w

."
'"
w

Hatl
Half Round
w

S"

0'

. ..
0 ...

" <"
3-31" ."
'"
'31'- > 6"
5-11.'
5-11'", s22-1/2"'.3"
-1':'

23;.'
23/4'

3-;14'
4-3.4-

0"
0"

."
."'"
'r"
r'"
'"

8
B

Figure 1627.
aluminum,
16-27. A- Typical gutter designs and sizes. B-Half-round style gutter made from alu
minum, with
downspou ts. (Jell
soll/Sh llll terstock.co
ferstock.com)
(fcllsolI/SJw
m)

Roof SI.entl.ing
SJwat"ing aJUt
and Roofing
Roof s',catltitlg
sl,ca t1,illg is p laced over the rafters to
support the roofing material. Sheathing may be
planks, individual
individ ual boards, plywood, or other
approved panel
panel prod uct. Plywood is a popular
choice, except when wood shingles
sh ingles are
a re used
g material. Usually, 1 x 3, 1 x 4, or
as the roofin
roofing
board s are used for wood shingle roofs.
1 x 6 boards
See Figure
Figu re 16-28.
The th
ickness of sheathing
ries with the
thickness
s heathing va
varies
spacing ooff the
th e rafters or supporting beams. For
OC or
rafters spaced 16
16"OC
o r 24"OC, 11/2"
/ r standard
shea th ing-grade
used . The plywood
ing-g rade pplywood
lywood is used.
p lywood
must
fa ce grain perpendicular
m
ust be laid
la id w
wiith
th the face
rafters, as in floor sheathing.
sheathing. The sheets
to the raftees,
shou
ld be staggered so that two sheets side-byshould
mfte r.
side do not e nd on the same raftcr.
H

Printed for:

ind ivid ua l boards

board s are
arc used as
When individua
shea thing, they are usually no wider than 6" or
8".
ft ers 16"OC or 24
24"OC,
in imum
8"'. For ra
rafters
OC, the m
minimum
board thickness is 3/4". Each board should
s hould be
long
pan a minimum of two rafters.
lo ng enough to sspan
Longer boards are preferred for gable ends.
The
TIle roofing material
material used on a house
sh ould have
ha ve a long life and provide a wa terproof surface. Typical
Typ ical materials include aspha lt
shingles, wood shingles, tile, sla
slate,
ro ll roofing.
roofing,
te, roll
copper, aluminum,
alum inum, galvanized
ga lvanized steel, layers
of
membrane
o f felt and tar, and rubber memb
rane roofing.
Factors that influence the selection of the roofing
tch, design,
d esign,
material are cost, local codes, roof ppiitch,
aand
nd individual
indiv idual preference.
asphal t shing
shingle
More homes have asphalt
le roofs than
any other type of roofing ma terial. The usual
usual
recom mended minimum weigh
recommended
weightt of asphalt
H

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

Chapte r 16

Roof Designs

385

Figure
Fig ure 16-28. This roof has wood
wO!Xl shingles. You can
see the wood boards
boa rds used to support the shingles.

shingles is 235 pounds per square for square-bu

tt
square-butt
s trip shingles. A "square" of shingles will cover
strip
100 square feet. Therefore, if the roof area is
vo squares of shingles are
200 square feet, hhvo
needed for the roof. The square-butt strip shingle
is 12"
12"" x 36"
36/1 and is laid on 5/1
5" interva
intervals.
ls. See
Figure
Fig u re 16-29. A layer of IS-pound, saturated-felt
buildi.ng
building paper is ordinarily placed on the
sheathing
sheath ing before laying the shingles. This acts
as a moistu
moisture
re barrier.

New Roofing Materials

New roofing materials
material s are always being
Ne\"\'
designed. These materials are stronger to reduce
damage from severe storms. Also, an effort is
being made to make them attractive and, in
some cases, simulate the look
took of trad itional
roofing materials. Two new options for roofing
materials are
arc asphalt lamina
laminate
te shingles and
metal roofing.

Printed for:

Figure 16-29. Asphalt shingles are designed

to be laid at 5" intervals. (Christ
(Christilw
ilia Richards/
Shllt
Shut lerslock.com)
lerstock.com)

Asplfalt
Asplwlt Laminate
Lami,wte Shingles
Traditional asphalt shingles are slowly
laminate
ina te shingles,
shinglcs,
being replaced by asphalt lam
Fig ure 16-30. Laminates are thicker and heavier
Figure
than traditional asphalt shingles. This
nus makes them
more wind resistan
t
and,
therefore,
less likely to
resistant
be blown off the roof during high winds.
winds.
Laminate shing
shingles
les have other advan tages
in add
addition
ition to wind resistance. They can add a
raised, three-dimensional appearance to the roof.
appearance
pearance of greater
They can also provide the ap
depth
lower-pitched
dep
th to lower-p
itched roofs.
owever, laminate shingles are more
H
However,
expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. Their
increased thickness makes install
installation
ation more
handle
le and harder
d ifficult. They are heavier to hand
to cu t.

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

Section 3

386
38&

Plan Development

Figure 16-30. The laminate shingles on this roof add considerable depth and eye ilppeallo
ilppcal lo this slructure.
structure.
Notice how they simulate
simu late the appearance of traditional wood shingles. (Photo Courfesy
Courtesy of James
Jallles HardieHardi~
Sidillg Prodllcts)
Siding
Products)

Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is gaining wider acceptance
for residential construction across all regions of
the US. It is compatible
compa tible with most roof designs
because of the wide range of styles available.
One of the big ad
advantages
vantages of metal roofing
is its ability to resist high winds. Some products
claim a wind resistance of up to 230 miles per
hou r. Some metal roofing styles simul<l
simulate
te the
appearance of clay tile, cedar shingles, or slate.
Others are designed to look like metal and are
incorporated into the overall home design.
design . In
fact, the metal roof is a key characteristic of
some house styles. See Figure 16-31
16-31..
Metal roofing has many advantages. It
has a long life and requ
ires little maintenance.
requires
It can be used with most roof assemblies and
looks good with many different
d ifferent home styles.
It can even simulate the appearance of other

Printed for:

Figure 16-31. The aluminum roof on this Key West

home is resistant
resistanllo
to high wind,
w ind, as well as visually
pleasing. (Chuck
(CllJIck Wagller/Slllltterstock.com)
Wagller/S/wtterstock.com)

erikaaraujo@bisd.us (c) 2014 Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. All Rights rese

Chapter
Chapte r 16

Roof Designs

roofing materials, while providing a very high

hig h
wind resistance not possible with other roofing
materials.
mater
ials.
Metal roofing has disadvantages, too. It
typically costs more than a comparable aspha
asphalt
lt
sshing
hing le roof. Ins
Installation
tallation mus t be more precise
than other types of roofing. Some metal finishes
aalso
lso fad e over time.

Roof Plans
Roof plans are used to show the shape
sha pe
of the roof and information such
s uch as roof pitch
nd the size and location ooff framing members
aand
truct the roof. There are two types
ty pes
used to cons
construct
of roof plans that may be prepared for a set of
of
a rchitectu
ral working drawings: a roof plan
rchitectural
and a roof framing plan.
p lan.
A
plflll is a plan (top) view that shows
A roof pimr
the shape of
o f the roof. It shows the perimeter
of the roof and the ridge lines to indicate the
d irection of the slopes. llle
The roof plan may also
als o
s how the size and location of roof vents. See
Figu
re 1632.
Figure

Computer Ethics
In most jobs today, the computer is an
essential tool. The employer provides a computer
for your use as a 1001
tool for research or to accomplish
tasks,
tasks. such as drawing a set of architectural
plans. It is unethical to use the computer.
computer, withou t
plans.
permission,
for
personal
activities
such as playing
permission,
games, shopping,
shopping , or other activities that are
outside of your assignments.

Printed for:

'"

387

A roof jralllillg
framing plall shows the exterior
ex terior
roof !illes,
liJ1es, the size
s ize and locati
location
on of all roof
framing
in forframin g members, and any additional information
tion requi
required
red for cons tructing tthe
he roof.
roof. See
ma
Figure 1633. The roof framing plan often shows
walls
lls for reference. The
the exterior house wa
exterior roof lines and roof framin g members
are drawn using solid lines, and the exterior
house wails,
walls, which
w hich are hidden by the
t he roof, are
drawn
dra wn using hidden (dashed) lines. Depending
on office p ractice, the locations of headers on
reference.
bearing walls may also be shown for reference.
A separate roof p lan or roof framin
framing
g plan
is not always included
includ ed in a set of architectural
draw
drawings.
ings. A
A roof p
plan
lan is required on
only
ly if the
shown
n
roof design is complicated and is not show
p lans. ln
In some cases, the roof
clearly by other plans.
p lan is shown on the elevation drawings
d rawings or on
a sheet including framing details, s uch as truss
details. The roof plan may also be combined
w ith another d rawing in a set of plans, such as
the p lot p
plan.
lan.

It is also unethical to access confidential

copyrighted
information, download copyrigh
ted material, or
white using company- or schoolharass others while
owned equipment. Unapproved use of computers
the computer network for viruses
may open up Ihe
and other issues that may jeopardize the integrity
network.
of Ihe network.
Many organizations monitor computer users to
make certain that the computer activity is ethical
and legal. Users may also be required to sign an
agreement that the computer will only be used
for specific purposes.

Activity
To learn more about ethical use of
company or school equipment,
equipment, talk to a network
administrator at a local business.
business. Ask what his
or her experiences have been with the unethical
use of equipment. Also talk with an administrator
at your school. What rules have been put in place
for computer use in the classrooms and labs?

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388

Section
Sed ion 3

Plnn
Plan Development

Figure 16-32.
]6-32. A roof plan shows all
illl exterior roof
roof lines
lin es to ddescribe
escribe the shape of the roof. This roof
roof plan
includes
ind udl'S the locMions
locations of roof vents.
vents.

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Chapter 16
Chapler

Roof Designs

389

Exterior

~"

Figu
re 16-33. A roof framing plan shows the exterior roof lines and all of the roof framing members to
Figure
ng plan shows the exterior house walls
wa lls and header
clarify roof construction requirements. This roof frami
framing
locations for
fo r reference.

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Chapter 16

Review
Chapter Activities

Summary

hip,
Common roof designs include gable, hip.
mansard, and gambrel
gambrel roofs,
bu t several
mans..1rd,
roofs. but
o ther roof designs also exist.
exisl.
other
A roof is supported by rafters or roof trusses.
Adequa te ventilation in the attic space is
Adequate
avoid the fomlati
fannalion
necessary to nvoid
necess.1ry
on of moisture
shea thing.
underneath the roof sheathing.
Flashing is used to shed water away from
o f potentinlleakagc.
potentia l leakage.
areas of
The
TIle roofing material
ma terial used on a house should
have a long life and p rovide a waterproof
s urface.
surface.
A roof plrm
plan or a roof framing
p lan is
fmming plan
included
in
a
sct
of
architectural
working
induded
necessary to clarify
drawings when it is neccss..,ry
construction requirements for the roof.

Internet Resources
ATAS International
Manufacturer
walls, and
Manuiacturcr of metal roofs, walls.
accessories

Certa
CertaiinTeed
nTeed
Manufacturer of susta
sustainable
inable building products
Cor-A-Ven
Cor-A-Ventl
Manufactu rer o
Manufncturer
off roof vents
GAF
GAF Materia ls

rer of resi
dent ial and commercial
M,lnufactu
M;:mufacturer
resident
roofing materia
mntcrin ls
McElroy Metal
Me ta l
rer of Met-Tile
Manufactu
M;:lIlu fncturer
Met-TIle (metal roofing that
simu lates titile)
le)

Review Questions
Write your al/swers
allswers 011
0" a separate
~!pamte sheel
sllcet of paper. Do
1I0t write ill this
this book.
1.
tinct
1. Give the names of at least
least 10
10 dis
distinct
roof types.
tyIX'S.
2. What fo
rmu la is used to calculate the
formula
fractiona
fractionall pitch of aa roof?
P
rinted for:
3'"
'90

t
cOlI/pallioll website to complete
Ir r Go to thetile colIIlHmioll

5:J\..,.
~

tile Cltnpta
Cllt1pter AclitJilitos.
Activities.
Ihe

www.g-wlearnlng.comlarchitecture/
www.gwtearnlng.comIarchllecture

3.
tha t determine rafter size.
3. List three things that
4. What is the difference between an open
cornice and a box comice?
cornice?
comjce
5. Na
me the three types of roof trusses that
Name
are most commonly used in residential
construction.
6. Explain
Expla in wha
whatt can
Cilt1 happen if sufficient
SlJ fficient
in an attic space.
ventilation is not provided it,
o f roof flashing?
flas hing?
7. What is the purpose of
w ide should the fla
8. How wide
nass hing be if the
s lope is 5:12?
roof slope
5:127
9. Identify five roofing materials that are
are used
structures.
on residential stnlctures.
10. When is a roof plan requi
red in a set of
required
architectural
architectura l working drawings?
draWings?

Suggested Activities
1. Contact several
severa l manufacturers of roof
covering materials and ask for specifications
and descriptive literatu
re about their
literature
products. Display the literature and then
add it to the classroom collection.
collection .
2. Build a sca Ie
le model of an open cornice, a
cornice. Use a scale of
box cornice, or close cornice.
1" = 1'-(}"
1'-0" and
nnd label
label the various parts. Display
your model.
3. Using CADD, des
ign an roof for a 24' x 36'
design
cottage o r a small house of your choice.
ing plan.
Draw a roof plan
plnn and a roof fram
framing
raw ings and describe the
Dimension the ddrnw
materials used.
4. Build
le models ooff three different types
BuiJd sca
scale
of trusses.
trusses. Compare their sstrength
trength by
applying weight to each model until it
breaks. Write aa description ooff your testing
testing
procedure and record your
you r results. Present
your data to the class.

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Chapter 16

Roof Designs

A
A new client has come to your architectural
Idaho,
office in Idaho Falls, Ida
ho, to ddiscuss
iscuss ideas for
her fami
ly's
new
residence.
She
is moving to
family 's
Idaho from a metropolitan area in New York
state in order to take a new position with a law
lav,'
Southwcst-style flat
firm. She has requested a Southwest-style
roof for her new house.
information regarding
Given this preliminary infomlation
the requested roof design, answer
a nswer the following
questions.
1. Why m
might
ight a flat roof be a poor choice in
Idaho
Ida ho Falls?
2. What type of roof design would you
recommend
recom me nd for this client?

~:"':.=:~ Certification Prep

~E1-""""!~

Tile
following qllestions
tile style
Tlte !oJlall'ing
qllestiOflS are presellted
presenlt.>d in
ill tlte
llsed
ill
the
Americafl
Desigll
Drafting
Association
liSt'll
ti,e Alllt'ricnn
your
(ADDA) Drafter Certification Test. Write YOllr
slleet of paper.
answers on
011 a separate SlIfe!
1.
I. Which of the following
followi ng statements
sta tements are true
about roof design and construction?
A. A roof truss is an assembly of members
that form a rigid framework of
triangular sshapes.
hapes.
B. Roof framing is designed to support
the roof covering materials.
C. Most flat roofs are pitched at about
abou t
1/8"
to
1!2"
per
foot
to
aid
in
drainage.
] /8" 1/2"
D.
O. Cornices are
arc cut
cu t to the proper
dimensions by locating the ridge
rid ge cut,
sea t cut,
ta il cut.
cu t.
cut, plumb cut, and tail
2. Which of the follOWing
statements
are false?
fo llowing
A. The thickness of sheathing
is
the
same
shea thing
regardless of the spacing
s pacing of the rafters.
B. In
In a box cornice,
cornice. a soffit board encloses
...veen the end of a projecting
the space bet
between
rafter and the wall.
C. The curved panel roof is similar to the
gable roof in style
s tyle and application.
D. The clear spa
n is the horizonta
span
horizontall
distance
dis tance from the inside
inside of one exterior
stud
wa ll to the inside of the opposite
s tud wall
exterior stud wall.
Printed for:

391

3. Match each type of roof with its description.

Gambrel, 2. Butterfly.
Butterfly,
Roof types: 1. Gambrel.
3. Warped, 4. Mansard, 5. Shed
roof, but has more pitch.
A. Similar to a flat roof,
B. Has a valley in the midd
le instead of
13.
middle
a ridge.
architect.
C. Named for a French arch
itect.
D. Often used on barns to provide more
vertical sspace.
pace.
E. Has complex ccurvature;
urvature; the most
common shape is a hyperbolic
paraboloid.

1. Social
Socia l Science.
Scie nce. To a certain extent, the
sty le and pitch of a roof reflect the area of
the coun
try in which you live. Research
country
three regions in the United
Uni ted States with
ddifferent
ifferen t climates, including the region in
which you live. For each region, list the
most common roof styles and their roof
pitches. Compare and contrast these roof
wri tten report.
les and pitches in a written
ssty
tyles

1. Math. A client has requested a design

d esign for a
flat-roof
flatroof cottage in south Texas. The cottage
will be 32' square. You have designed the
roof to have a ppilch
itch of 1/8"
1/S" per foot,
foot. sloping
house.
from the front to the back of the house,
to aid in drainage. What is the difference
between the roof height at the front of the
house and the back of the house?
2.
2. Engineering.
Engin eeri ng. Roof
Roof trusses allow larger areas
to be spanned with a minimum amount of
material. Conduct research to d etermine
why roof trusses
tnl5seS are stronger than simple
beams or joists of the same length. Prepare
a mu
ltimedia presentation to show examples
multimedia
of why this is true.
truc.

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