What is an Elevation?
An elevation is a vertical construction element — or a technical drawing that shows the vertical views of a building or building component. The term has two meanings in construction: a drawing and a physical construction detail.
Meaning 1: Drawing term
In construction drawings, an elevation is a side or front view of a building, facade, or component. It shows the vertical dimensions and proportions — as opposed to:
| Drawing term | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Floor plan | Horizontal section (from above) |
| Section | Vertical section (from inside) |
| Elevation | Vertical exterior view (from outside) |
| Detail drawing | Enlarged detail of a specific component |
Relevance for DIY builders
When applying for planning permission, elevations (facade drawings) are usually required. These show the front, side, and rear facades of the proposed structure.
Meaning 2: Construction detail
In roofing and waterproofing practice, an upstand (the physical equivalent of an elevation detail) is the vertical portion of roof membrane that runs up against a wall, dormer, chimney, or parapet.
- Purpose: keep rainwater out of the wall junction or behind the roof membrane
- Minimum upstand height: 150 mm above the roof surface (standard guideline)
- Materials: EPDM, bitumen membrane, zinc sheet, lead flashings
Making an EPDM upstand yourself
- Cut the EPDM sheet 150–200 mm wider than the roof surface
- Apply primer adhesive to both the wall and the EPDM
- Roll the EPDM firmly against the wall
- Fix the top edge with a termination bar (stainless steel screws)
- Seal the joint with EPDM bonding adhesive
Related terms
- Detail drawing
- Planning permission
- EPDM
- Guttering
- Waterproofing
- Parapet
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