Attic Exposed Collar Ties

In this how it works article managing editor debra judge silber explains the role of collar and rafter ties in the framing of a roof.

Attic exposed collar ties. The ties allow for a drywall ceiling and add strength to the roof structure. Collar ties are used for stability to stop the roof spreading or collapsing u have to understand there s a lot of weight on a roof with the roof tiles slates etc and also when u consider the. A collar tie is a tension tie in the upper third of opposing gable rafters that is intended to resist rafter separation from the ridge beam during periods of unbalanced loads such as that caused by wind uplift or unbalanced roof loads from snow. Rafter tie or collar tie spacing intervals connection specifications.

However in a conventionally framed peaked roof like the kind you describe collar ties would probably serve little or no function since the attic floor joists serve as ties to prevent the rafters from spreading. I installed some collar ties so i could insulate the ceiling while leaving an air space at the top of the attic for ventilation. Since everything is exposed you should install hurricane ties along the plate and the rafter where it meets the top of the wall. Desperately enough in fact to consider making the major step of pulling down ceiling drywall to expose joists above.

Building codes such as the icc s 2012 international building code section 2308 10 roof and ceiling framing typically specify that where rafter ties are used they are required at intervals ranging from 12 to 24 o c. It is not safe in any way shape or form. The 2015 international residential code does not require collar ties or collar beams. Collar ties are necessary to prevent separation of the roof at the ridge due to wind uplift.

Stately attractive and open. The collar ties can be wrapped with drywall or a higher grade of lumber can be used and left exposed. Do not mess with the collar ties. Collar ties prevent rafter separation and uplift.

Collar ties as per current irc code are required to be at least 1x4 nominal material but are most commonly 2x4 s. This balances the construction and makes it look beefier. In a frame like this the remaining collar ties are often doubled up putting one 2x on each side of the rafter. Collar ties may take up space in the attic of your home but they are there for a reason.

The exposed beam ceiling look is one that many owners of conventional flat ceilings desperately want. Depending on the roof design and the roof rafter spacing. This is on a conventional stick frame non truss structure as engineered roof trusses do not require collar ties from a framing material as they are tied together with metal plates gussets. The most common reason for installing collar ties is to prevent rafters from spreading apart under load.