Performance outcomes
By the end, you can:
- 1Explain rise, run, pitch and span.
- 2Produce a rafter or truss layout from approved documents.
- 3Plan erection, bracing and sheathing controls.
Working vocabulary
Name it precisely.
- Pitch
- Roof rise per unit of horizontal run, commonly expressed as inches of rise per 12 inches of run.
- Birdsmouth
- A seat-and-heel cut allowing a rafter to bear on a supporting wall where the design permits.
- Ridge board
- A nonstructural alignment member at opposing rafter peaks in certain prescriptive assemblies; not the same as a structural ridge beam.
- Uplift connection
- A connection designed to resist wind force pulling roof framing away from supports.
01 · Instruction
Do the geometry on paper
Confirm building span, roof run, pitch, overhang and member depth from the approved documents. Calculate and test one pattern rafter or review the truss placement plan before repetitive production.
02 · Instruction
Approve the pattern
Cut one pattern, test bearing and ridge fit without weakening the member beyond the approved detail, then transfer from the pattern. Re-verify periodically so a damaged pattern or drifting stop does not multiply error.
Execution checklist
- ✓Pitch and run confirmed
- ✓Seat bearing verified
- ✓Overhang checked
- ✓Pattern clearly labeled
- ✓Uplift hardware available
03 · Instruction
Control work at height
Plan fall protection, access, material staging and weather limits before roof erection. Install required permanent and temporary bracing as framing proceeds, then sheath from a controlled work position using manufacturer and OSHA requirements.
Concept diagram—not a construction drawing. Dimensions, connections and approvals come from the project documents and local authority.
Field assignment
Roof layout and pattern record
Create a scaled roof section and supervised pattern-rafter or truss-placement verification.
Evidence to capture
- Dimensioned section
- Calculation or approved truss plan
- Pattern verification notes
- Fall-protection and erection brief
Supervision rule: use qualified supervision whenever the assignment involves unfamiliar tools, energized equipment, structural work, excavation, work at height, or any condition outside your demonstrated competence.
Tool loadout
Tools earn their place by the operation.
Eye and hearing protection →
Baseline PPE for cutting and fastening operations.
Tape, square and marking tools →
Establish, transfer and verify dimensions before cutting.
Circular saw →
Cut pattern and production rafters with stable support.
Framing square →
Lay out pitch and seat geometry.
Impact driver →
Install specified uplift connectors and structural screws.
Tool links are a shopping convenience, not a requirement to buy. Equivalent equipment may be appropriate when it matches the operation, material, accessory, capacity, guard, and manufacturer instructions.
Mastery check
Prove you can make the call.
Answer all three questions. The passing standard is 80%, so this short check requires 3 of 3. Explanations appear after submission.