2.  One of the two most conspicuous features  Some are characteristic of building use  Often used to change the appearance of a house without changing the floor plan  Contain features that can identify walls, bathrooms, kitchens, living spaces, etc.  Roof profiles  All roofs are slanted  Pitch of the roof can identify living space  Color and shape of roof can identify additions and remodeling  Vent pattern can identify identical floor plans

3. Most popular roof for housing in America Most popular roof for housing in America 4-12 pitch most common in warm climates4-12 pitch most common in warm climates ≥ 6-12 pitch in colder climates≥ 6-12 pitch in colder climates The steeper the pitch the more likely there is to find a living space under the roof The steeper the pitch the more likely there is to find a living space under the roof Nomenclature for all roofs Nomenclature for all roofs GableGable EaveEave Ridge or PeakRidge or Peak Gable Eave Ridge or Peak

4. Second only to gable roofs in popularity for houses Second only to gable roofs in popularity for houses Seldom steeper than a 4-12 pitchSeldom steeper than a 4-12 pitch Gables “tipped in” Gables “tipped in” Especially popular in high wind areas Especially popular in high wind areas Virtually never have a living space immediately under the roof (attic area) Virtually never have a living space immediately under the roof (attic area)

5. Common for “out buildings” and over porches, patios, carports, garages and Common for “out buildings” and over porches, patios, carports, garages and Tend to be very shallow, often less than 2-12 pitchTend to be very shallow, often less than 2-12 pitch Never have a living space immediately under the roof (attic area) Never have a living space immediately under the roof (attic area) Visible vents and ducts are almost always over the appliance being serve Visible vents and ducts are almost always over the appliance being serve

6. Sometimes called a “barn” roof Sometimes called a “barn” roof Not uncommon for houses, especially in areas with heavy snow or rain Not uncommon for houses, especially in areas with heavy snow or rain Popular where zoning requirements limit height of buildingsPopular where zoning requirements limit height of buildings Living space under the roof is nearly certain Living space under the roof is nearly certain Consider the “attic” a second-storyConsider the “attic” a second-story Nearly always a sleeping areaNearly always a sleeping area

7. Sometimes called a “French” roof Sometimes called a “French” roof More common for small retail and commercial buildings More common for small retail and commercial buildings Seldom seen on American housesSeldom seen on American houses Usually older homes, especially older, large Victorian styleUsually older homes, especially older, large Victorian style Living area under the roof nearly certainLiving area under the roof nearly certain Consider the “attic” a second story—almost certainly a sleeping areaConsider the “attic” a second story—almost certainly a sleeping area

8. Popular on houses in very sunny climates Popular on houses in very sunny climates Especially luxury homesEspecially luxury homes Used for solar panels, windows and skylights Used for solar panels, windows and skylights Often facing south to maximize sun orientation Often facing south to maximize sun orientation Cathedral ceiling is near certain Cathedral ceiling is near certain Living space may be under the higher roof plane Living space may be under the higher roof plane Lower roof plane usually hidden from street side Lower roof plane usually hidden from street side

9. Framed structures that project from a roof Framed structures that project from a roof Used to add light and ventilationUsed to add light and ventilation Used to add living spaceUsed to add living space Two styles of dormers predominate Two styles of dormers predominate Gable—Look for windows, especially openableGable—Look for windows, especially openable Shed—Nearly conclusive of a living space under the roofShed—Nearly conclusive of a living space under the roof Some dormers are merely decorative Some dormers are merely decorative Dormers with windows are nearly diagnostic of a living space—almost always a sleeping area Dormers with windows are nearly diagnostic of a living space—almost always a sleeping area

10. Vents are used to get rid of smelly odors, carbon monoxide, cooking oils, fumes and the like Vents are used to get rid of smelly odors, carbon monoxide, cooking oils, fumes and the like Most vents exit the dwelling through the roof Most vents exit the dwelling through the roof Stove vents often exit through the roof but frequently exit through the wall nearest the stoveStove vents often exit through the roof but frequently exit through the wall nearest the stove Some ventilation vents are installed at the top of the gableSome ventilation vents are installed at the top of the gable Vents are extremely useful for tactical diagramming because they are most often hidden inside walls Vents are extremely useful for tactical diagramming because they are most often hidden inside walls Two types are valuable for tactical diagramming Two types are valuable for tactical diagramming Water applianceWater appliance CombustionCombustion

11. Necessary anywhere there is a drain Necessary anywhere there is a drain Typically installed directly above water appliances like sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, etc. Typically installed directly above water appliances like sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, etc. Vents are the smallest on the roof Vents are the smallest on the roof 1½ ʺ pipe approximately 6-12 ʺ above roof through a metal flashing1½ ʺ pipe approximately 6-12 ʺ above roof through a metal flashing There is never a cap or coverThere is never a cap or cover Shadows may be more visible than the ventsShadows may be more visible than the vents Extremely reliable because they usually exit the roof directly above the drain (inside the wall) Extremely reliable because they usually exit the roof directly above the drain (inside the wall) Single exception is a “stacked vent system”Single exception is a “stacked vent system” Distinguished by notably larger pipe (≥ 2½ ʺ ) and are usually on the hidden side of the roof and near the peakDistinguished by notably larger pipe (≥ 2½ ʺ ) and are usually on the hidden side of the roof and near the peak

12. Used for any appliance that needs an exhaust for carbon monoxide Used for any appliance that needs an exhaust for carbon monoxide Furnace, gas water heater, etc.Furnace, gas water heater, etc. Usually the largest vents in the roof Usually the largest vents in the roof Often as much 6 ʺ in diameter and 2 ʹ or more tallOften as much 6 ʺ in diameter and 2 ʹ or more tall Older homes may have clay pipe or asbestos but modern codes will require double steel wall or even triple steel wallOlder homes may have clay pipe or asbestos but modern codes will require double steel wall or even triple steel wall These vents are always capped to keep to allow exhaust but keep water outThese vents are always capped to keep to allow exhaust but keep water out Not as precise as water appliance vents but will provide general locations Not as precise as water appliance vents but will provide general locations The closer to the eave or the flatter the pitch the more likely that vents will be over the applianceThe closer to the eave or the flatter the pitch the more likely that vents will be over the appliance

13. Kind of like a “fingerprint” for a house Kind of like a “fingerprint” for a house Not unique, but will identify same floor patternNot unique, but will identify same floor pattern Once a floor plan is identified features from one structure can be used to predict those in anotherOnce a floor plan is identified features from one structure can be used to predict those in another The buildings may not be adjacent to one another or even appear similarThe buildings may not be adjacent to one another or even appear similar The more features that are used the more reliable and precise the diagram The more features that are used the more reliable and precise the diagram