What is defined as the distance across the roof measured to the edges of the wall plates?

The distance across the roof, measured to the edges of the wall plates, is specifically referred to as the roof span. This term is used in roofing and construction to describe the width of the roof from one side to the other, effectively measuring the total horizontal distance covered by the roof structure. Understanding roof span is essential for various aspects of construction, including load calculations, material estimates, and overall design considerations.

For context, roof area refers to the total surface area of the roof, which includes the various slopes and angles of the roofing materials. Roof pitch indicates the steepness or angle of the roof. Roof height measures the vertical distance from the lowest edge of the roof to its highest point. While all these terms are related to roofing, they refer to different dimensions and characteristics, with roof span being the relevant definition in this instance.