The distance from one roof eave to the next is called what?

The distance from one roof eave to the next is referred to as the span. This term specifically describes the horizontal distance that exists between the two eaves, which is crucial in roofing and structural design because it helps determine the load that the roof can support, as well as how the roof will perform under various conditions. Understanding the span is important for calculations involving roof framing and materials, as it lays the foundation for assessing the overall roof structure.

In roofing terminology, the other terms have specific meanings that differ from "span." The pitch refers to the steepness or angle of the roof, while the run represents the horizontal distance from the ridge to the eave, which is typically half of the span in a gable roof. The term "hip" relates to the edge formed by the intersection of two roof surfaces and does not pertain to the distance between eaves. Knowing these distinctions helps clarify the roles each term plays in roof construction and design.