Rafter Ties For Shed Roof

Rafter ties or ceiling joists acting as rafter ties are required by code unless the house is designed so that the walls or a structural ridge beam carries the full load of the roof.

Rafter ties for shed roof.

And when rafter ties are used above the plate the rafter span must be reduced by as much as 33 percent compared with the span allowed when the ties are at the plate. T w 2 x h h x run rise where w equals rafter load h equals height of ridge and h equals distance from ridge to center of tie illustration below. Trusses like rafters form the profile of the structure s roof. Detailed and illustrated guides for building gambrel.

Many local counties across the country now require the use of hurricane ties for roof framing on homes and your shed is no different. In many situations you ll find that ceiling joists installed parallel to the rafters are intended to function as rafter ties. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. Here s a formula i use to determine tie force.

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. We ll be using a ridge beam for this project so each set of rafters will meet a horizontal 2 6 at the apex which will run the length of the shed and connect to all of the rafters. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. They join at the peak of the roof by connecting to the opposing rafter or to a ridge beam that runs the length of the peak of the house or shed.

The process will generally be the same for a shed of any moderate size but be sure to use the rafter sizing calculator above to find the correct rafter length and size for your shed rafter project. The roof framing mock up below shows a standard rafter tie. If you are framing a cathedral ceiling there are a couple ways to deal with the need for rafter ties.