2x4 purlins/braces

[Richard W. Washington]

What year did it start being required that purlins be at least as large or larger than the rafters they support?

Also what yr was the peak ridge board required to be as larger than the rafters it supports? This home was built in 90.

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Originally Posted by rwashington

What year did it start being required that purlins be at least as large or larger than the rafters they support?

Also what yr was the peak ridge board required to be as larger than the rafters it supports? This home was built in 90.

Question 1: It has been standard practice / building principle since I have been framing in the late 70's.....can't quote code and it may be a local thing as well.

Question 2: The ridge board (when required) must be a minimum of 1" nominal or 3/4" dimensional however when rafters can be framed to each other with a gusset or approved tie its not required. R802.3

The problem with the rafters are that they heel of the rafter is not touching.........the bracing you are showing is acting more as a kee wall and not purlin bracing where the braces are more perpendicular to the rafters.

Jeff

[Joseph W. Keresztury]

Originally Posted by rwashington

What year did it start being required that purlins be at least as large or larger than the rafters they support?

Also what yr was the peak ridge board required to be as larger than the rafters it supports? This home was built in 90.

Richard, being in Texas as you are, with all due respect to Jeffrey 2X4's were still being used as purlins in the 80's. My guess to your purlin question is the late 80's for the change, but a purlin then and now needs to be on edge not flat. As Jeffrey would agree lumber is stronger on edge than flat.
As far as the ridge goes I thought as current code is now that always the ridge should line up w/ or past bottom of rafters. For instance 2x6 rafters woud need a 2x8 ridge.
Also, your picture 2 shows no collar ties which i assume and know were required back then as they are now at every other rafter at ridge connect.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by jkeresztury

Also, your picture 2 shows no collar ties which i assume and know were required back then as they are now at every other rafter at ridge connect.

Even with the pitch this roof has?

[Joseph W. Keresztury]

Yes, the collar ties prevent uplift. With the steep roof the rafters are already headed in that direction.

[Richard W. Washington]

Joe & Jeffrey,

Thanks for the explanations. I did not even think about the collar tie issue. Some of these homes have so many issues (attic alone) that you can't seem to keep track of them all. What's more amazing is that this is a well known custom home builder in the 750k and up range.