Catshead
Encyclopedia
A catshead is an architectural feature
commonly found on multi-storied mills, agricultural buildings, and factories, composed of a small extension protruding from the gable end
of a larger roof
.
A grist mill with a single main roof and catsheads at each end vaguely resembles a cat's head
in sillohuette, with the catsheads forming the "ears" of the imaginary feline; this may be the origin of the name.
Catsheads originally existed to protect the ropes and pulleys associated with lifting equipment (such as the block and tackle
rigs used to shift multi-ton milling equipment and the simple wheel pulleys used to lift fodder
into haylofts) from ice and the corrosion and rot caused by rain.
Adding the protective catshead to the gable end of an existing roofline made roofing tasks simpler, and conserved building supplies by eliminating the flashing
that would be required by a completely separate roof.
Whimsical architectural styles (such as Queen Anne) may also sport catsheads as non-functional decorative features.
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
commonly found on multi-storied mills, agricultural buildings, and factories, composed of a small extension protruding from the gable end
Gable
A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system being used and aesthetic concerns. Thus the type of roof enclosing the volume dictates the shape of the gable...
of a larger roof
Roof
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous....
.
A grist mill with a single main roof and catsheads at each end vaguely resembles a cat's head
Cat
The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...
in sillohuette, with the catsheads forming the "ears" of the imaginary feline; this may be the origin of the name.
Catsheads originally existed to protect the ropes and pulleys associated with lifting equipment (such as the block and tackle
Block and tackle
A block and tackle is a system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift or pull heavy loads.The pulleys are assembled together to form blocks so that one is fixed and one moves with the load...
rigs used to shift multi-ton milling equipment and the simple wheel pulleys used to lift fodder
Fodder
Fodder or animal feed is any agricultural foodstuff used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, chickens and pigs. Most animal feed is from plants but some is of animal origin...
into haylofts) from ice and the corrosion and rot caused by rain.
Adding the protective catshead to the gable end of an existing roofline made roofing tasks simpler, and conserved building supplies by eliminating the flashing
Flashing
Flashing may refer to:*Exhibitionism, briefly exposing one's body in a usually sexual way, acceptable or not depending on context*Flashing , construction material used to prevent the passage of water around objects...
that would be required by a completely separate roof.
Whimsical architectural styles (such as Queen Anne) may also sport catsheads as non-functional decorative features.