Valley Rafter

http://www.AsktheBuilder.com founder Tim Carter shows a valley rafter in a common-framed roof.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Valley Rafter
• trusses
• rafter
• Tim Carter
• AsktheBuilder
• Ask the Builder
• home improvement
• new construction
• framing

[Jrfstad]

This is from the New Hampshire gov't website which links to the IBC. R802.3 Framing details. Rafters shall be framed to ridge board or to each other with a gusset plate as a tie. Ridge board shall be at least 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness and not less in depth than the cut end of the rafter. My concern is, what does a potential home buyer do? If the builder doesn't know the code, and the inspectors don't enforce the code, where does this leave the buyer?

[AsktheBuilder]

@Jrfstad It leaves the buyer in a heap of trouble. For over 16 years I've sold an inexpensive checklist at my AsktheBuilder website that shows homeowners how to find the BEST BUILDER in their area in less than 90 minutes. I don't know what else to do.

[Jrfstad]

Why aren't the ridge boards equal to or greater than the depth of the rafters? That's code. WI UDC Comm 21.27 (4) (b)2. "The ridge board shall have a depth at least equal to the length of the cut end of the rafter abutting it." Curious as to how the rough inspection went.

[AsktheBuilder]

@Jrfstad Remember, local governments can modify the code. I'm not the builder on this job, it's just a location near me. You'd have to come up here to NH and talk with the local inspector to see how the inspection went.

[MrStrictlyStock]

@Jrfstad I caught that too. But upon further analysis, I'd guess that a 2x6 would be adequate for a common, making a 2x8 adequate for a ridge (maybe a 2x10 on a pitch this steep). Hence, anything greater than the 2x6 would not need full bearing. The larger framing size is probably to create more insulation cavity.

However, one courts trouble by using an analytical approach to a prescriptive requirement. The inspector would have every justification to shoot it down.

[AsktheBuilder]

@siameezerlady That's already been asked in other commets. Please always read ALL comments before posting. Saves lots of my time.

[siameezerlady]

@AsktheBuilder Tim, I'm sorry to be slow, but this is new to me, and I don't get it, even with your clue. What is the purpose of the lip? Thank you!

[AsktheBuilder]

@stothek2 Uh, if they don't already exist in your current roof, you have much bigger issues.

[stothek2]

thanks tim I'm gonna start putting valley rafters in my house this afternoon because of this video, They should make roof super strong so that it doesn't fall down any more.

[Nimli22]

if this was in denmark this wasnt approve at all if the rafter doesnt land on each other then its all over