Architectural Flashing Supply
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Basic blueprint reading · Lesson 3 of 4

Basic blueprint reading: methods and worked application

A step-by-step method for reading a print, worked examples of scale reading, the half-size print trap, converting a run to pieces and a profile to girth, and how to record assumptions.

You will be able to: Read a print in a fixed order, convert a scaled line and a feet-and-inches run into inches and pieces, sketch a field measurement for an order, and record the assumptions behind every number.

9 min · 10 slides · 6 questions

All lessons in this module
Slide 1 of 10

A method for reading a print

Work in this order: the sheet index, the plan, the section bubble, the detail bubble, the notes and written dimensions, the spec section, then the scale, print size and revision.

Then field-verify what must be verified, sketch it with lettered legs, and let AFS draw it for review.

This is the course's working method, drawn on the figure.

From a drawing set to an AFS orderA twelve-step flow in four colours. Read steps: sheet index, plan, section bubble, detail bubble, notes and written dimensions, spec section. Check steps: scale, NTS, print size and revision; field-verify safely. Make steps: sketch with lettered legs, profile in FlashDraft. Approve step: review by the design professional and AFS. Then fabricate and check the delivery. Questions go back to the design professional.ReadCheckMakeApproveSheet index1Plan: find the edge2Follow the section bubble3Follow the detail bubble4Notes and written dimensions5Find the spec section6Scale, NTS, print, revision7Field-verify, safely8Sketch with lettered legs9Profile in FlashDraft10Review: designer and AFS11Fabricate, check delivery12Questions go back to thedesign professional.

A twelve-step flow in four colours. Read steps: sheet index, plan, section bubble, detail bubble, notes and written dimensions, spec section. Check steps: scale, NTS, print size and revision; field-verify safely. Make steps: sketch with lettered legs, profile in FlashDraft. Approve step: review by the design professional and AFS. Then fabricate and check the delivery.

1
Open the sheet index on the general sheets
2
On the plan, find the edge and the callouts on it
3
Follow the section bubble to its sheet
4
Follow the detail bubble to its sheet
5
Read the notes and the written dimensions, never the paper
6
Find the spec section in the project manual's table of contents
7
Check: is a scale noted, is it NTS, was it printed full size, is this the latest revision?
8
Field-verify what must be verified, from a safe position (29 CFR 1926.501)
9
Sketch the profile, letter the legs A, B, C and mark the exposed face and every angle
10
Draw the profile in FlashDraft and check girth against 48 in and the piece against 126 in (10 ft standard)
11
AFS issues a shop drawing stamped for review; the design professional and AFS shop review it before fabrication
12
Fabricate, then check the delivery against the approved shop drawing
This course's working method. Questions about a detail go back to the design professional; the shop never changes one on its own.

Sources

Glossary

Run length
The length of the edge or wall a flashing covers, measured end to end; on a sloped edge the plan dimension is not the metal length.
Girth
The flat width of a profile with sharp corners: the sum of its legs plus the allowance for each hem. AFS's limit is 48 in.
Hem allowance
The extra flat width a hem adds. For an open hem AFS counts twice the return plus the gap, which is 1.125 in at the starting values. It is AFS's quoting allowance, not a bend-deduction calculation.
Field verification
Measuring on the actual wall or roof edge, from a safe position, to confirm or replace a dimension taken from the print.