Roof Plan plan view drawing that shows the exterior roof lines of a structure.

Roof Pitch/Slope: The slant of the roof.

Rafter A roof framing member that is perpendicular to the top wall plate and extends from the ridge of the roof to the plate or beyond.

Roof Truss An assembly of members that form a rigid framework of triangular shapes to support a roof.

Roof Sheathing such as plywood or boards placed over the rafters to support the roofing material.

Cornice The overhang of the roof at the eave line that forms a connection between the roof and side walls.

Box Cornice A cornice in which the space between the end of projecting rafter and the wall is enclosed with a soffit board.

Close Cornice cornice in which the rafter does not project beyond the wall.

Open Cornice A cornice in which the rafter ends are exposed and the space between the projecting rafter and the wall is not enclosed.

Downspout A vertical pipe that receives the water from a gutter outlet and carries it to ground level, where an extension directs the water away from the house.

Gable end The end wall of a building on the side which is topped by a gable

Gutter A trough that collects water from the roof and directs it to a downspout.

Lookout A support member that fastens the soffit in a wide box cornice.

Rake The extension of a gable roof beyond the end wall of the house.

Rise The vertical distance measured from the top of the wall plate to the underside of the rafters.