Supporting Roof Rafters Without Kneewall

How to frame a gable roof without ceiling joists.

Supporting roof rafters without kneewall.

Ching defines a knee wall as a short wall supporting rafters at some intermediate position along their length the knee wall provides support to rafters which therefore need not be large enough. In his book a visual dictionary of architecture francis d. Repeat the process on the other side of the old rafter so that the old is sandwiched between two new pieces. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams.

A standard triangular roof known as a gable roof is framed using rafters which are diagonal members that support the roofing materials. Check that the 2 by 4 is plumb with a spirit level. In most instances they are no taller than 3 feet but some builders may custom fit them according to the roof s shape and size. Install the second rafter leg in the same manner.

This article describes and illustrates the different types of support that prevents roof sagging and wall bulging at buildings including definitions of collar ties rafter ties and structural ridge beams. Knee walls are short usually wooden walls installed around the sides of an attic where the rafters meet the floor. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. Hold up to the rafter a scrap piece of 2 by 4 lumber a few inches longer than the planned knee wall height with its base on the floor.