Connecting Rafters with Band at Ridge?
BilljustBill
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m building a 16’x32′, two story Gambrel Roof storage shed.
On the second story, after both sides of the rafters are nailed to the ridge beam, I heard some builders use a metal strip to go over the ridge beam and tie the tops of the rafters together. Will doing this add a lot of strength to the ridge beam area?
I have some metal wall studs. Would the metal running about 2ft. down on those studs be heavy enough to tie the two rafter halves together?
Thanks,
Bill
Replies
bump
That's just to keep the rafters from separating from the ridge during high winds. Has little to do with ridge itself under normal circumstances.
Good building
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
What guage studs?
FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
Bill,
It must be a Regional thing because I've never once used them before in NJ on a structural ridge or a regular ridge. If it's not code or drawn on the plans where you're from, why use them? The rafters wont pull apart.
I think you probably substitute collar ties Joe. If he straps the top, he probably can eliminate the collar ties. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
I think you probably substitute collar ties Joe. If he straps the top, he probably can eliminate the collar ties.
Jim,
Do you mean structural collar ties set at a specific height as in using a normal ridge for a cathedral ceiling and just using those straps, or do you mean with a normal gable roof with ceiling joists, ridge and then nailing in 2x4 collar ties? I can't see that replacing structural collar ties set at a specific height.
In this situation it would be nice to do that and gain the headroom in the attic.Joe Carola
The traditional collar tie's primary function is to keep the roof from splitting open at the top from lift caused by high winds. In attic conditions, all the collar ties can be eliminated and straps substituted do that the job of the collar ties. I think a lot of inspectors would need to be educated to get this idea passed. I'm no engineer though and I haven't really spent much time or energy on this concept because most of our work has always been trusses. I think the guys that live in high wind zones are more competnet to discuss this concept. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
This is what I did. I followed the original layout as it was framed when I replaced everything... I wouldn't have had to if I extended the tops just a little farther so they could be fastened together.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
I that code where your from? It looks like normal framing to me where you have you commons nailed to a ridge and then we just through some 2x4 collar ties in later. Is this like what Jim said where you can eliminate the collar ties and use those?Joe Carola
Well, I put the strap in there on the recommendation of the building inspector. Otherwise everything else was replicated as it was built before (1960). The 16 ga. strap and buttload of A35 connectors are my additions.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
That "metal strip" may be a Simpson connector.
You could browse around here to see: http://www.strongtie.com/products/category_list.html?source=topnav
You might find some metal studs to be more work for less result than you want.