Old Roof Sdupport System Inspect Purlin

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.

Old roof sdupport system inspect purlin.

With rafters it runs in perpendicular from the walls to the ridge while with purlins it runs to the ridge in parallel. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. We won t go into attic inspection too deeply since this series of articles from mastering roof inspections is primarily about roofing defect recognition but you should have an understanding of the two main basic roof structure systems. Many single ply membrane roofs rely on the existing metal roof to function as a structural deck for support and attachment of the roof system including board insulation as well as for support of live snow and wind.

Snap a chalk line horizontally across the roof two feet down from the top. I m not sure if it was original construction or not 1978 duplex though it looked like it. Purlins are not required or needed unless rafters are overspanned and then the purlins serve as support to prevent roof sag deflection due to the overspanned and or undersized rafters. Ply roof systems are also lightweight and utilized for retrofits over existing metal roofs figure 2.

Conventional roof framing and roof trusses. It s hard to fathom that the roof framing would have passed original inspection with this support system or lack therof. The use of purlins as opposed to closely spaced rafters is common in pre engineered metal building systems and both the ancient post and beam and newer pole building timber frame construction. The support system for the roof is comprised of ridgepole and rafters or purlins.

Insert two equally spaced nails into the rafter. Using a combination of rafters and purlins is common. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. Fasten the purlin with 16d common nails into each vertical rafter.

The roof support system is a ridgepole and either rafters which run perpendicular from the top of the walls to the ridge or purlins which run parallel to the ridge. Photo above is from a jwk inspections framing pre drwall inspection in the san antonio south teaxas area showing the actual roof framing componenents. The lack of which imo allowed the purlin to twist away from the rafter. Purlins support the loads from the roof deck or sheathing and are supported by the principal rafters and or the building walls steel beams etc.

Roof huggers in place on an old roof. Use purlins to create a supporting framework and to transfer the loads imposed by the sheeting onto the primary building structure.