Roof Labeling

Roof edge types explained

What eave, ridge, hip, valley, rake, gable, and the rest mean, and why labeling them correctly matters.

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Edge types drive the trim and flashing in your bill of materials. A mislabeled edge means the wrong trim, so accuracy here pays off directly in the takeoff.

Common edges

  • Eave: the low, horizontal edge where water runs off (gutters live here).
  • Ridge: the top horizontal edge where two slopes meet.
  • Hip: a sloped edge where two planes meet on an outside corner.
  • Valley: a sloped edge where two planes meet on an inside corner (water channels down it).
  • Rake / Gable: the sloped edge at the end of a gable roof.
  • Transition / High side / Sidewall / Endwall: where the roof meets a wall or a change in slope.
The color legend on the labeling canvas always shows the active edge-type colors for quick reference.

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