Roof Rafter Collar Ties

Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams.

Roof rafter collar ties.

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. Collar ties may take up space in the attic of your home but they are there for a reason. The upper collar tie does not experience the tension that the lower rafter tie is resisting if that tension is resisted in the upper third the roof is probably on the ground. The rafter ties are incorrectly labelled as collar ties.

The prescriptive provisions of the building code require rafter ties on each rafter pair and collar ties every 4. The collar ties are used to strengthen the roof rafters to prevent them from buckling or sagging under the weight of the roof. This is especially important if the home is in the northern climates where snow accumulates on roofs or if there are multiple layers of roofing materials. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading.

How to install collar ties to roof rafters. 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 collar ties are necessary to prevent separation of the roof at the ridge due to wind uplift.