Name: __Tyree Mitchell______________________

TEC 120 Introduction to Building Construction

Exterior Finish -- Study Guide for Ch. 6

One of the mantras of building science is Deflect, Drain, and Dry! Filter your thoughts about
roofs and roofing through these concepts.

1. What is the difference between the roof "eaves" and the "rake?"

The roof eaves are the horizontal roof edges that overhang the face of a wall. The rake is the
sloping roof edges that overhang a building on the side topped by a gable roof.

2. What is a vent spacer and why is it used? Where is it located and when is it installed?

A vent spacer is a plastic foam or wood fiber where the insulation is between the rafters,
that helps maintain a clear ventilation passage where thermal insulation materials come
between the rafters. It is located in between the sheathing and the insulation in eaves.

3. In an “elevator speech” of 100 – 150 words, describe the relationship between attic
ventilation, insulation, roof overhang, and ice dams.

When snow collects on the roof and then melts, it refreezes at roof edges creating “ice
dams”. When these ice dams begin to melt the water pools up and eventually drips and
seeps through the roof’s overhangs, walls and onto the ceiling or attic. To prevent the
formation of ice dams is to keep the attic ventilation and insulation the same and even
throughout so the temperature is even distributed throughout the roof and eaves. To do this
you would want to increase the ventilation, add more insulation/evenly distribute and make
sure all leaks and gaps are completely sealed.

4. Why is a “rainscreen” recommended for wood or engineered wood siding?

Because the wood absorbs moisture therefore with a ventilated air gap it allows any
moisture or dew that has penetrated the siding to be drained and evaporated quickly.
Keeping the house and the siding free from fungi and water damage, its also low
maintenance.

5. Below is an example of the "raised-heel roof truss." How is the raised-heel truss different
from typical rafter framing or traditional truss design presented in the textbook?

The raised heel roof truss is somewhat similar in design to a normal roof truss. The only
difference is that the raised heel truss is raised up higher and has a heel that extends up
from the top of the wall and elevates the truss at the building edges.

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6. What are the advantages of using a raised-heel truss? (Also see p. 281 text 6 th ed.)

The raised heel truss provides space for attic insulation at the eaves and better air ventilation.
They are easier to build with/around.