Wall and Roof Framing Terminology

Construction Technologies

Sole Plate

Horizontal framing that rests on top of the subfloor and holds bottoms of all studs together

Top Plate

Horizontal framing that holds top of all studs together

Doubler Plate (Cap Plate)

Horizontal framing that rests on top of the top plate. Locks opposing walls together. Trusses and rafters fasten to this framing

Wall Stud

Vertical framing that extends from the top of sole plate to the bottom of top plate

Trimmer Stud (Jack Stud)

Vertical framing that supports header at each end and is placed between bottom of header and top of sole plate

Header

Installed above all door and window openings. It supports the weight of the roof and/or second story bearing down on this section of wall

Cripple

Vertical framing - studs that are placed above or below door and window openings

Outside Corner Post

Vertical framing composed of 2 wall studs and 3 blocks typically 16’ installed at each end of exterior walls

Inside Corner Post (“T”s) (Partition T’s)

Vertical framing installed at intersections of partition walls

Sill (Rough Sill)

Horizontal framing placed at the bottom of the rough window opening, provides support for window unit

Rough Opening

The allowance made for framing in doors and windows.

Doors Width of Opening

Measured between trimmer studs and height of opening is measured between top of subfloor and bottom of header

Windows Width of Opening

Measured between trimmer studs and height is measured between bottom of header and top of sill.

Gable Roof

2 Sloping sides

Hip Roof

4 Sloping sides

Shed Roof

1 Sloping side

Total Span

The overall width of the building

Total Run

1/2 the distance of the span

Total Rise

Distance from top of the plate to top of the ridge

Unit Rise

the # of inches on a roof rise for every feet of run

Unit Run

12’’ (based on a Gable Roof)

Allowable Span

The distance from the ridge to wall plate

Deadload

Weight of material used to construct roof

Liveload

Temporary loads that a roof must be able to support during construction process, also weather.

Pitch

the slope of the roof

Gable Roof

1. Common Rafter

2. Ridge Board

3. Gable Studs

Common Rafters

Extend from top of wall plate to the ridge board

Ridge Board

Placed at peak of the roof, it providing nailing surface for tops of all common rafters

Gable Studs

Vertical Stud that provides nailing for sheathing at Gable ends

Theoretical length

Length of rafter from park to heel plumb (outer wall plates)

Actual length

minus 1/2 the thickness of the ridge board

Common Rafter (3 Plumb Cuts)

1. Ridge plumb cut

2. Heel plumb cut

3. Tail plumb cut

Birds Mouth

The notch created by the intersection of the heel plumb cut and the seat cut.

Seat Cut

Should equal the width of you top plate

Stand

Referring to the amount of lumber that should remain above your birds mouth