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    RAFTERS

    Uploaded by

    Samuel Dare
    A little explanation on Rafters

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    RAFTERS

    Uploaded by

    Samuel Dare
    4 views4 pages
    A little explanation on Rafters

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    RAFTERS - Copy

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    A little explanation on Rafters

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    4 views4 pages

    RAFTERS

    Uploaded by

    Samuel Dare
    A little explanation on Rafters

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    RAFTERS

    A rafter is a structural component of a roof on a building.


    Traditional rafters frame out the roof and connect to the exterior
    walls. This system is also called stick framing. Typically built on
    site, rafters are cut to 2 x 10 pieces and land on a ridge board,
    which runs across the length of the building. Ceiling joists are
    then used to connect the rafters and exterior walls. The result is
    a vaulted ceiling that can be filled with insulation and drywall to
    finish the space. Alternatively, it can be left as open space in an
    attic.
    TYPES OF RAFTERS
    When building a rafter roof, you’ll typically find two common
    types used: principal and common rafters. The principal rafters
    are the largest pieces used on each side of the roof structure.
    Common rafters are smaller and placed in between the principal
    rafters. Together, they provide enough structural support to
    serve as the frame of the roof.

    There are also some lesser-used rafters including:

     Auxiliary rafters. These are sometimes used to support a


    principal rafter.
     Hip rafters. These span from the building’s outside
    corners to the ridge board at a 45-degree angle.
     Valley rafters. These rafters are located at the building’s
    inside corners at a 45-degree angle.
     Compass rafters. These are curved at the top (and
    sometimes the bottom) and are usually used for
    ornamentation.

    Even if you don’t regularly use each of these types of rafters in


    your projects, it’s helpful to be familiar with them on the rare
    occasion they’re needed.
    ADVANTAGES OF RAFTERS

    There are several pros to using rafters instead of a truss roof.

     More space. Using rafters allows for attic space or


    cathedral ceilings because there’s open space to develop
    as the homeowner sees fit. The upper area could even be
    converted into additional living space.
     Allows for insulation. Insulation, which can be left as-is
    or covered with drywall, can be rolled in between the rafter
    beams for better energy efficiency.
     Built on-site. Rafters are cut on-site, which means they
    can be cut to size and adjusted as needed.
     Less lead time. Because rafters are cut to size at the job
    site, you don’t have to rely on third-party factories to cut
    and deliver the materials. This can also save costs on
    heavy load deliveries.

    Overall, rafters are a time-tested solution that provide flexibility


    in the design process.

    DISADVANTAGES OF RAFTERS

    There are a few drawbacks to using rafters:

     More expensive. Ultimately, rafters are more expensive


    than trusses because they’re crafted on-site by
    tradespeople rather than off-site in a factory.
     Lengthens construction time. Contributing to the cost
    factor is the amount of time it takes for rafters to be cut to
    the right size on-site, compared to trusses, which are
    manufactured in bulk.
     Requires a professional. It takes skill to do the carpentry
    work involved with cutting rafters. With trusses, you’ll
    simply have your pre-cut materials delivered to the job
    site.
     Weaker than trusses. While rafters are structurally sound,
    trusses are stronger. Not only can trusses bear more
    weight, they can handle a greater distance between each
    one.
    All of these factors should be considered when choosing
    between rafters or trusses for a building project. Trusses
    typically win when price is a deciding factor. But there is a lot
    more design flexibility with rafters since there’s room for attic
    storage or cathedral ceilings.

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