Rafters And Roof Ridges Are Normally Under Tension

Collar tie is a colloquial term for collar beam.

Rafters and roof ridges are normally under tension.

A tension tie in the upper third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist rafter separation from the ridge because of wind or unbalanced roof loads. The roof framing mock up below shows a standard rafter tie. Rafter tie a tension tie in the lower third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist the outward thrust of the rafter under. If you see rafters installed on centers greater than 24 inches look for signs of failure such as sagging of the rafters.

In many situations you ll find that ceiling joists installed parallel to the rafters are intended to function as rafter ties. A rafter tie is a tension tie in the lower third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist the outward thrust of the rafter under a load. That s true for horizontal ties in the lower third of the roof. Rafters are typically installed on 24 inch centers.

A ridge board was not always required and the photo above of the attic in a 1920s era house shows a roof framed without one. A pair of rafters is called a couple in home construction rafters are normally made of wood exposed rafters are a feature of some traditional roof styles. It s an indication that you should look carefully for other problems in the roof framing. If you see sagging rafters recommend stabilization by a qualified contractor.