Rafters are the building components that run diagonally from the wall plate to the apex of a roof structure.
Roof joists and rafters.
Consult local building codes for snow load capacity and reference the span tables for joists and rafters published by the american wood council awc as a general rule roofs that have a high human occupancy rate should be framed with rafters every 16 structures such as sheds or barns can be frames with rafters every 24.
Floor joist span use this table to determine the maximum lengths of floor joists based on species of lumber joist spacing and joist size.
The main difference between joist and rafter is that the joist is a horizontal structural element transferring load from flooring to beams typically running perpendicular to beams and rafter is a structural members in architecture.
Span tables for flat roof joists to bs 5268 7 2 imposed loads of 0 75 kn m for maintenance and snow load are applicable where there is no permanent access no fixed ladder or staircase and most areas where the altitude does not exceed 100 metres refer to bs 6399 3.
However in canada the most common material used in residential framing is wood so that is the material we will discuss here.
In traditional timber they are nominally 2 inches thick and typically 8 to 10 inches wide.
Our roof rafter calculator tools are handy for calculating the number of rafters needed rafter length calculator lineal feet of rafter board feed in ridge and sub facia and the total board feet in the roof.
Rise and run means that a 6 12 pitch roof has 6 of rise vertical for each foot of run horizontal.
Roof rafter span use this table to determine the maximum lengths of roof rafters based on species and grade of lumber spacing dimensions load and slope.
In finished space insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall or other material is fastened to the face.
Span calculator for wood joists and rafters also available for the android os.
The roof rafters provide integral structural support to the roof.
Rafters form the foundation for attachment of the roof boards onto which the final roof covering is fixed.
If you re framing a gable roof on a new house or building a shed or even a doghouse with a gable roof you ll need to cut a number of roof rafters.
The boards creating the slope of the roof are wider than lumber used to build trusses 2x8s 2x10s and 2x12s are most common in rafters vs.
This structural support comes in the form of roofing joists ceiling joists rafters or trusses and can be made from a variety of materials including wood metal reinforced concrete etc.