Whence the term "California Roof" or "California Rake"?

Posted by ChitaShines on November 5, 2006, 6:52 pm

Where does the term "California Roof" come from (historically)?
I understand the asymetric nature of my roof (the top being about foot
wider than the bottom) is called a California Roof (or California Rake) -
but where does the name "California Roof" come from.
Before my husband died, we were planning on remodeling the house so I am
continuing on with the plans despite the setbacks for us and the kids.
There is so much that I don't know but one of the questions is about this
term "California Roof" (also "California Rake") that he and many others
bandy about as if they actually know what it means and where the name comes
from. I googled and googled and googled but could not find where this term
Califonria Roof (or Rake) comes from. Everyone knows what it is but not
where the strange word comes from in the first place.
After asking everyone I could but to no avail so I ask you experts.
When did people first start using the term "California Roof" and why?

Posted by tinwhistler on November 5, 2006, 7:26 pm

ChitaShines wrote:
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[snip]
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This finding at Google-Books may be a starter for the necessary
research:
Roof Framing - Page 239
by Marshall Gross - Reference - 1984
In Chapter 12 we'll cover the irregular California roof. It's like this
roof
except that the pitch on the addition is different from the pitch of
the main ...
http://books.google.com/books?q=%22California%20roof%22&sa=N&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&tab=gp

Posted by tinwhistler on November 5, 2006, 7:50 pm

tinwhistler wrote:
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http://books.google.com/books?q=%22California%20roof%22&sa=N&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&tab=gp
A peek at the Table of Contents of the Gross work (link above) shows
that Ch 7, beginning at p. 233, has an extended discussion of the
"California Roof." I think it probably refers to a low-pitched roof,
suitable for a climate not having a great deal of rainfall but enough
to warrant a pitch in the roof. Living in San Diego in a townhouse
having a pitched roof, I'm grateful for that pitch even though we only
get 10" of rain per year. Flat roofs here are known to have leakage
problems frequently.
Aloha ~~~ Ozzie Maland ~~~ San Diego

Posted by Harry K on November 5, 2006, 11:14 pm

tinwhistler wrote:
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http://books.google.com/books?q=%22California%20roof%22&sa=N&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&tab=gp
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Flat roofs are a design that should be banned. They are a maintenance
nightmare and will leak later if not sooner. Our town put out many
millions reframing the HS to turn it into a pitched roof rather than
continue paying and paying and paying to fix leaks with no success.
The courthouse and jail are still waiting to be done (and still
leaking).
Harry K

Posted by ChitaShines on November 5, 2006, 11:25 pm

On 5 Nov 2006 20:14:06 -0800, Harry K wrote:
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Hello Harry,
A "California Roof" isn't a flat roof or even a 'flatter' roof.
It's a roof where the top line at the peak is longer than the bottom line
at the eaves.
But, knowing what a California Roof is does nothing to tell us whence the
term California Roof.
Does anyone know where the term "California Roof" originated and why?

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