Rafter connection for catherdral ceiling?

[Patrick Coulter]

The rafters for the "cathedral ceiling" in this addition appear to only abut one another at the top of the rafters. You can see the gap in the attached photos. 1/4" plywood was used to tie them together. There were no visible signs of the roof/structure having been compromised. Can anyone tell me if this is an acceptable method of tying them together? Thanks.

[Richard A. Hetzel]

A better choice would have been a steel strap on top of the rafters...I beieve Simpson makes such an item for exactly that purpose. I have my doubts about 1/4-inch plywood used as a tie, but that's just a seat-of-the-pants reaction.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

That is a screwed up design and connection.

They should have had a ridge beam or a bolted steel connection to counter act the rafter spread from the load of the roof.
Recommend a structural engineer.

[Patrick Coulter]

Thanks, Marcel. Much appreciated! Have a great weekend!

[dbelmont]

Needs an engineer in terms of reporting.

No resistance to rafter spread. Either a weight bearing ridge beam or appropriate ties that would in effect make each rafter pair a truss would have been my choice as the builder.

[dhelm]

Structural ridge is required in this kind of construction. Marcel, as usual, got it right.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

He is the man! MARCEL CYR HOME INSPECTION ASSOCIATION
MCHIA GOT A RING TO IT

[Marcel R. Cyr]

You guys crack me up.