Top Plate. This is the continuous timber to the top of the walls. It supports the roof structure, usually onto the brickwork.

Ceiling Joists. These are the timber members that provide a frame to fix the ceiling lining to.

Rafters. These form the sloping "shape" of your roof and run perpendicular to the ridge. Rafters will be supported by underpurlins and struts.

Underpurlins. Run horizontally and parallel to the Ridge Beam and perpendicular to the roof slope. They are fixed underneath the Rafters and help prevent roof sag and to tie rafters together preventing spreading of the frame. Fixings at underpurlins also prevent wind uplift.

Struts and Props. These are supports underneath members usually fixed between underpurlins and ridge beams. These are an integral part of the load bearing.

Soffit or Eaves Bearers. These are between wall and the Fascia and allow the Soffit / Eaves Lining to be fixed.

Soffit or Eaves Lining. This is the horizontal sheet cladding underneath the eaves. Eaves. Eaves are the overhang of rafters beyond the supporting wall line.

Ceiling Hanging Beams. These beams are placed between load bearing walls or other lead bearing supports such as beams and are perpendicular to the Ceiling Joists. They reduce the span of the ceiling Joists are tied to the Hanging Beam hanger straps.

Roofing Battens. Roofing Battens are fixed onto the outer side of the Rafters toi the underside of the roof cover.

Sarking. Sarking is a strong, moisture proof, reflective, metallic building paper which is placed over the rafters but underneath the roof batons. The sarking runs to the roof gutter and the reflective side should always face outwards to repel heat.

Collar Ties. These are horizontal timber beams between the Rafters (usually at un

derpurlins) that stop the Rafters spreading.

Ridge Beam. This is the horizontal timber beam at the apex of the roof. It joins the ends of the rafetrs at the highest point.