What do you ARCHI MEAN?SearchAnalyze a textA–ZAboutENFR

faîtage

Page approved

n. m. · ridge · ridge line

Definition

FR
Ligne horizontale la plus haute d'un toit à deux versants, là où ils se rejoignent. Le faîtage désigne aussi l'ouvrage qui la recouvre (les tuiles faîtières) et, en charpente, la pièce de bois qui porte les chevrons.
EN
The highest horizontal line of a roof with two slopes, where they meet. Faîtage also means the work that covers it (the ridge tiles) and, in carpentry, the timber that supports the rafters.

Diagram

faîtageridgeversantroof slope (pitch)égouteavesmurwallCoupe transversale d'une toiture à deux versants · schéma de principe, non à l'échelle
Section through a roof with two slopes: the ridge is the high point.

Example sentences

Written (email, official document)

FRLe faîtage culmine à neuf mètres, le maximum autorisé par le règlement.

ENThe ridge peaks at nine meters, the maximum allowed by the rules.

Spoken (standard)

FRLes tuiles faîtières ont été posées hier : le toit est fini.

ENThe ridge tiles went on yesterday: the roof is finished.

Spoken (informal)

FRAu faîtage, le charpentier a accroché un bouquet, et on a payé à boire.

ENAt the ridge, the carpenter hung a bouquet, and we bought the drinks.

Nuances and pitfalls

Faîte (n. m.), faîtage (n. m.), faîtière (n. f.). The faîte is the highest line; the faîtage is that line considered as a piece of work; the faîtière is the tile that covers it. The poutre faîtière (n. f.) is the framing member that carries it.

The bouquet de faîtage. A site tradition: when the roof framing is finished, a bouquet is hung on the ridge, and drinks are offered to the workers.

Related terms

noueversantcharpente

Validation

Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 8 Oct 2026

← New search

Spotted a mistake? Report an error in this entry

Free to use. Donations help cover hosting and the domain name. Support this site · French lessons for architects