What is a Roof Rafter Tie and What Does It Do? - House Framing Parts

www.homebuildingandrepairs.com... Click on this link for more information about roof framing. This video is part of a series on house framing parts and will provide you with more information about what a roof rafter tie does and where it might be located. Architects, engineers and construction workers might find this and some of our other videos highly informative, so what are you waiting for, watch as many of them as you possibly can to increase your knowledge about home building.

[@Deep_Divers]

Your explanations are fantastic (clear, concise, and informative). Thanks for the hard work you put into these videos

[@gregvancom]

You bet and thanks for watching.

[@JackRainfield]

Greg, I'm extremely grateful for your excellent advice and videos! I had a sagging garage ridge and bowed out wall of my garage. After watching your videos multiple times and spending some time above the ceiling in my garage I realized the original builders had used a poor design and that one end of the ceiling joists were not securely connected to the wall. This was done to accommodate a decorative overhanging eve over the bowed wall of the garage. Without getting into too much detail I used a combination of techniques to raise the ridge and straighten the wall. I used 7 turnbuckles between the ceiling rafters and the wall to help move and straighten the wall. At the same time I used two bottle jacks with 2x8's to support and push up the sagging ridge. Also the ridge was not one solid beam but instead was two beams which meet in the middle at the center point of the sag. Over a period of a couple months I slowly moved the wall and the ridge by tightening the turnbuckles and bottle jacks a little every day or two. After the ridge was straight I glued and screwed two pieces of 3/4 in. plywood to either side of the ridge beams where they meet to hopefully help maintain the new position. I have tried to fasten the original ceiling joists to the wall but I'm not overly confident in the permanence of that connection. The wall however, is perfectly straight now. But most importantly I installed ten 2x4x16's as rafter ties in the lower third of the attic space. I think these ties will be the primary force holding the ridge in a straight position. I am wondering if I need the strong backs installed as well and also in another video you talk about vertical supporting 2x4's between the ridge and rafter ties. The 2x4x16 rafter ties I've installed seem to be very strong but I'm wondering if they need additional support. I haven't yet removed the bottle jacks so I'm hoping to have done everything possible before removing them. Thanks again Greg!

[@gregvancom]

You're welcome and as far as the supports, I don't know if the 2 x 4 ceiling joist will do much, maybe a 4 x 8 will do better. Let me know what you do and thanks for sharing your project with us.

[@danyount3511]

@@gregvancom love your videos

[@jkirby-vd1wm]

This answered a question in a previous on your video on collar ties. Great information

[@itorIamop]

very enjoy this series: it's clear & straight to the point... I'll watch them all!

[@lfino100]

This was great, I been tryin to find out about "how far should a roof overhang?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Beybigail Nonpareil Breakthrough - (do a google search ) ? It is a good one of a kind guide for discovering how to create better sheds and improve your woodworking without the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my brother in law got cool success with it.

[@itorIamop]

@@lfino100 I'll check that!

[@rharris7877]

thanks

[@randykulesia4646]

Personally I’d put rafter ties on every truss, I know that’s more money, but it’ll be way stronger

[@jkirby-vd1wm]

I have an old camp that I am trying to make my home..my rafters go from the top plate to the ridge and have a small triangular collar tie type of wood at the ridge.. Would I be able to double up rafter ties, one on each side of the chosen rafter? My hope would be to box them to get the beam affect..Also if by doing so would it allow me to raise the rafter ties to the middle third rather than the bottom third?.. I have lived for 4 years with 6' 8" ceilings so I'm trying to get the most height I can get out of it lol.

[@javiercorreapr9977]

Thanks!

[@gregvancom]

Welcome!

[@matalobos1970]

Very helpful information. Do you have any videos that deal with strengthening rafter ties? My 2 car garage has 2x6 rafter ties every 16 inches and i was hoping to use the space above the ties for storage. thanks in advance for any guidance.

[@gregvancom]

See if you can find something here kzbin.info/aero/PLav41l6sb3G_UIOyBy_cs2UipxoHK0cnk if not send me a few pictures of the inside of your garage and I'll see if I can provide you with more information.

[@VASLEE]

love that video awesome detail and explanation

[@bartdevreese]

hello thanks, what a nice clear diseng and interesting video about construction. I've been reading about wooden constructions on the internet for a few weeks and I would like to try build one myself (I'm from Europe and this way of building is not so common here). But I would like to give it a try for a small garage in my garden. What are the measures of this garage, to have a general idea. And what sizes lumber ? I guess 2x4 for the wall framing ? What sizes are the ridge beam and rafters ? 2x6 for the rafters and 2x8 for the ridge beam ? Are that common sizes ? (my garage will be 17ft wide and 20ft depth (roof from very light metal plates, about 8kg/ square meter. Thanks for reading this

[@gregvancom]

I'm not a structural engineer cannot provide you with lumber sizes, but can tell you that a 20' x 20' garage has been built before with 2 x 4 wall studs, 2 x 6 roof rafters and a 2 x 8 roof ridge.

[@rharris7877]

like your videos.....very helpful how do I go about figuring out the bottom 1/3rd to place collar tie form the ceiling joist .????

[@gregvancom]

I will make a video with more information and place a link here when it's done.

[@gregvancom]

See it this video helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGLKn6WGm6ZgY5I

[@amaurisilva2095]

Hello. I get about dividing by 3 the distance from the top plate to the top of the ridge but I didn’t understand how to apply the measurements received from the division. Thank you for the video.

[@gregvancom]

I would watch the video again. Provide me with more details about the measurements you're having problems with.

[@blakehemmerling]

I'm doing some garage renovations and essentially took off the drywall ceiling to make the space feel more open. Since I did that, I believe my ceiling joist would turn into rafter ties since they won't be supporting a ceiling or storage. Is that correct? I do need to replace some of the old ceiling joists, so what would the requirements be now that they would be considered rafter ties? The current rafters are 2x6 so my guess is that a 2x6 rafter tie would be sufficient but I'm not sure. The current ceiling joists were spaced 24oc and the span of the room is 17.5'. Let me know if you have any insight. Your videos are super helpful!

[@gregvancom]

I cannot provide you with structural engineering information, but can suggest that if the minimum distance for spacing rafter ties is usually 48 inches on center, then you're probably in good shape.

[@ayellowbeard]

This is similar to our (1947) shop which we've dubbed "the barn" because of the 62" wide wall studs with cross bracing (another topic for later). In our case the rafters are 24" apart (more or less) with one tie per rafter. Where ours differs is we don't have collar ties like in your example and have heavy gauge (3/16?) wire which drop down from the ridge to loop around the rafter and then back up to the ridge. The wire is then twisted to the right length which in our case (some 76 years later) are not tight against the rafters. In my very limited engineering knowledge my guess is the wire does something similar to what king posts might do and were installed to act as support for the storage platform that was up when we bought it and which should have never been added but since have taken it all down. I'm now using the barn as a wood shop and trying to figure out how to strengthen the system up for an earthquake prone area. I'm adding strong backs and have, as budget allows, started replacing the walls. Some of which have had extensive mud sill rot. The new walls will all have 16" spaced studs to give the roof something more structural to sit on. As for the roof itself I wasn't sure if I should add additional ties (like you have here) or to replace the old wire with actual king posts or purlins which in that case I'd need to use connector plates to tie them in to the ridge. Thought?

[@gregvancom]

It might be easier to install new wood rafter ties. Let me know if this did not answer your question or questions. I only found one question.

[@ayellowbeard]

@@gregvancom Thanks Greg for replying! Been watching your videos for a few years now and really appreciate them! I know it's difficult to know without seeing something but I guess I'm wondering whether the wire being used to support the centre of 16 foot rafters is sufficient or would it be a good idea to replace them with 2x4s, similar to king posts, and besides adding collar ties and strongbacks, which I'm in the process of doing, is there something in addition I can do to strengthen the entire system up? The barn has lasted nearly eight decades and I hope it'll last a few more decades. Lastly besides lighting and electrical routing I won't be using the space for storage and so I don't mind adding more support. We live in a wet, windy, and seismic area if that helps.

[@joemonroe9456]

If I use 2x6's between gambrel gusset plates and rest them on a wall down the middle, can I use them as ceiling joists. Span is 18 feet with a wall in the middle for a span of 9 feet each section.

[@gregvancom]

I would probably need to see a picture of what you're referring to, for more information. You can get our email address of the website.

[@jerseyscaler445]

I have no ridge board and only joists but those weren't enough bc 1 exterior wall starting bowing out . Would you suggest another set of rafter ties and collar ties? No other interior support inside attic under roof.

[@gregvancom]

It does sound like a rafter tie might help. Send me a picture if you need more help.

[@dronedbr]

Greg, I want to raise my garage ceiling to add a lift. My roof has a ridge beam and rafter ties. Can I move the ceiling joists up a few feet and attach them to the rafters?

[@gregvancom]

If you have a ridge beam supported by a post on each end the you might not need ceiling joist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJu8dXybmMpjebs This might help.

[@dinothedog4342]

I'm building a 26x40 garage 2x6 on center walls and a 2x10 ridgeboard. 2x8 rafter 16 on center with 7/12 pitch. 2x6 rafter ties on every rafter at a 3rd of the distance. Any suggestions or what u think about this build and can I use bolts for the rafter for the rafter ties. Plus hangers for the rafters.

[@gregvancom]

I cannot provide structural engineering advice to my viewers. However, roof rafter ties usually have a minimum spacing of 4 foot on center like you're suggesting.

[@frbrable]

I have an old single-car garage without rafter ties or joists! It's about 14 feet wide and 25 ft long. I want to put solar panels on the roof (which already has a slightly-sagging ridge), but am concerned about the extra weight. Should I put joists in the garage and then add some kind of knee wall or something? Would rafter ties also be helpful?

[@gregvancom]

I cannot provide you with structural engineering advice, but if it's a concern of yours, I would definitely try to reinforce the roof to make it stronger, before adding additional weight to it.

[@matthewclarke7079]

I'm looking to convert my attic and there are currently rafter ties but are they needed since the floor joists extend out to the roof rafters. The walls are cavity blocks.

[@gregvancom]

Feel free to send me a picture, but as long as the floor joists are acting as rafter ties then you shouldn't have a problem.

[@whith5184]

@@gregvancom thanks for a great video....if you were to convert the attic and add floor joists to support a floor, wouldn't you have to then make sure the rest of the structure was built to support the extra weight? thanks

[@countvanbruno182]

My garage has NO rafter ties! Should I put some in?

[@petergriffin1546]

When you have top plates (where the rafters sits) that are not level from one side to another due to different wall heights, are the rafter ties level and go from one wall plate/rafter to the other rafter? id rather have them sitting on the wall plate then up the rafters.

[@gregvancom]

I've seen them installed both ways.

[@fraydcat]

If I put these on every rafter instead of every 4 feet, could you put sheet rock under them? I'd like to have a higher ceiling in the middle , (it's a shed), and if I am using 2x6 instead of 2x4, would this work?

[@wildbillfitz]

I’m wondering this also for my garage. I’d also like to insulate the space above.

[@connorsmith1896]

I’m wondering the same thing. What did you figure oitv

[@spartalaco]

what would be the best technique to strengthen a roof to take a solar system. the roof i am working on has 2x6 rafters and 2x6 ceiling joists that span 24 feet. Someone suggested a knee wall but that would just transfer the load to the ceiling joists so that wouldn't work. any ideas would be appreciated. thank you

[@gregvancom]

You might want to contact an engineer, but roofs can be strengthened by adding larger roof rafters and ceiling joist or adding an additional rafter in between the others. For example if you have rafters that are spaced 24 inches on center you could add one in between making them 12 inches on center.

[@gregvancom]

I thought I had a video, but will make one within a few weeks on how to strengthen roofs.

[@rickrudd]

What about using a very beefy LVL for the ridge beam, supported solidly at both ends? That would allow the clear span, would it not?

[@brainwashingdetergent4322]

I have a mid ‘50’s two car garage which is 24’x20’ and it has wall ties 16” OC and two strong backs.

[@renatochiarella4750]

Did you put a ceiling?

[@renatochiarella4750]

I have a garage that has a lot roof ties every 22.5. Thinking about adding a ceiling..

[@901math4]

What is the maximum width or span a garage can be using a ridge board construction method?

[@901math4]

Can a ridge board method be used for a 32x30 garage? Absolutely love your videos. I have bought your lunch many times with my viewing times. haha

[@gregvancom]

Garages can be wider than 32 feet using roof rafters and ridge boards and thanks for lunch today I had pastrami:)

[@marvinaviles2593]

I’m seeing conflicting information, I’ve read the top third is measured from the top plate to the bottom of the ridge board, but in your video you state that it’s from the top plate to the top of the ridge board. I watched your collar tie video as well, can both collar ties and rafter ties be 48 inches on center both on the same rafter? It’s for an 18x18 chicken run with polycarbonate clear panels.

[@gregvancom]

Yes, both rafter ties and collar ties can be on same rafters and since the building code information isn't perfectly clear, I went with the top of roof.

[@launchpadmcquack2386]

I have a cold storage space where the roof is starting to sag that needs some additional rafter ties. can I just nail them into the side of the rafter?

[@gregvancom]

Usually if you're going to fix a sagging roof the rafter ties might need to be support beams instead. Something stronger to reduce or eliminate sagging.

[@marceloarctic]

Very informative! I have a 22 by 19 feet garage where the door is on the left wall of the building in your example (about 12 feet tall wall), and the right wall is shorter (about 10 feet tall) so the right side of the roof is larger. There are three 2x4 rafter ties that span from the top of the plates on each wall, so they are not horizontal, they overlap about 3 feet. Two 2x4 strongbacks that are nailed to the rafter ties however they have separated over the years about 3/4". The ridge has sagged a bit. I was thinking in replacing the rafter ties with new 2x4s or 2x6s that go form the top plate on the left wall and tie them on the rafters on the right side of the roof to make them horizontal... what do you think? I'm not planning to drywall the ceiling maybe just the walls. I'm in Southern California and the house is from 1955 by the way. Thanks for your help!

[@gregvancom]

That seems like a good idea and I would re-fasten the strong back to the rafter ties with a few more nails or screws to close the gap. Feel free to send me some pictures of your project, for more information and may be a possible video.

[@klumsytone]

I have a 1950s two story home with a half hip roof over my garage. In my garage, I have two rafter ties and two strong backs. Can I raise the rafter ties and strong backs? I would like to get some height in my garage. Thank you.

[@gregvancom]

I would like to say yes, but it depends upon the type of structure. You might need to check with your local building department for more information.

[@kylakoochi5159]

What prevents all of the rafters from toppling over, either toward the front or toward the rear of the garage, in the direction of the ridge tie? Don't you need a diagonal board, like going from the top plate to the ridge tie?

[@gregvancom]

Yes, some type of bracing and I would check out some of our home building series at our website for more examples.

[@connorsmith1896]

When measuring the thirds, I’ve seen many measure to the bottom of the ridge, not the top. In my building, it is exactly 3 feet from the top of the plate to the bottom of the ridge, but about 3 foot 8 inches to the top of the ridge. My rafter ties are 2x4’s that are 11 inches up from the top plate. Is this acceptable?

[@gregvancom]

I really can't provide engineering information on your project, but can offer an opinion suggesting that you should be fine.

[@connorsmith1896]

@@gregvancom thanks! Is it typical to hang drywall from rafter ties like this?

[@DadsGotADeal]

My shed walls are bowed out significantly like you described and the ridge is sagging. Is it possible to winch the walls back into alignment and add rafter ties at this point or do I need to remove the whole roof and rafter structure and then straighten the walls and rebuild? Thanks for the great video.

[@gregvancom]

You can try, but most of the time it won't work because the ridge, rafters and wall framing have all sagged and would be difficult to straighten. You could always add a few rafter ties to prevent it from sagging or bowing further.

[@gregvancom]

+soaringtractor This method sounds like it could be used to straighten the walls, but might not affect bowed or sagging roof lumber. I think it would be worth a try and sincerely appreciate the comment.

[@gregvancom]

I couldn't disagree more, I would never think about pulling walls together and expecting the ridge to rise and straighten. If the ridge is severely bowed, then it is highly improbable that you will straighten it out and more realistic to imagine other parts of the building getting damaged..

[@chehsed]

+gregvancom My rafters are sagging (traditional stick-built, "shot-gun" home). Is it possible to jack them up in the middle and (if they straighten), hold them in place with 2x6 rafter ties? Could I spray them with water first to help them straighten? (And then perhaps add some strongbacks to keep the ties from bowing, as your video mentions.) Or would I need vertical supports, like a knee wall, to keep the rafters straight? I could run a double LVL down the length of the house, and stand the vertical 2x4 studs on that, to keep up the rafters, but I like the idea of using rafter ties alone if that would work. If I did the LVL plan, should it rest on all the ceiling joists, or should it only rest on those ceiling joists which rest on load-bearing walls, to prevent ceiling drywall from cracking? Thanks for your advice.

[@gregvancom]

If the ridge isn't sagging too bad and you could actually straighten it by jacking it up, then it would be possible to use some type of a support like a rafter tie or ceiling joist with a support under it like a post or even a wall. You will need to try and do one thing and if that works great, if not and try using a stronger system, in other words a little trial and error..

[@MeBituman]

How would a tension member bow?

[@gregvancom]

My observations of taught me to believe that it's going to have something to do with either the piece of lumber's own weight, especially on longer boards or weight from above. This of course would be excluding any type of damage to the materials or from using incorrect materials.

[@BIKEMAN21]

The rafter ties aren't meant to store stuff but they could probably hold a few hundred pounds of gold bullion with out issue

[@gregvancom]

I like it.

[@dariusreid6670]

I would like to take my roof off and do a new one

[@gregvancom]

It can be done, just make sure that if any walls need to be braced to prevent them from moving when you remove the roof aren't going to move. The roof usually holds the house together.

[@vincentpereira8416]

Why garage why not a roof on a house

[@hanyhelmy3774]

Hey there, thanks for the video. Just wondering, are you a structural engineer? You seem to be giving some misinformation about structural systems in these videos. I would just be careful as to what advice you are giving in these videos. Perhaps your videos should start with "Warning: Consult a Structural Engineer before attempting any DIY Home Improvements". Thanks again.