Different types of ties, such as rafter, beam, and collar ties, are used to increase the strength of roof trusses. Wood and metal sleepers are also used depending on the desired interior ceiling structure. Inspecting ties regularly is important to prevent structural failure.
Rafter ties keep opposite rafters tied together to increase the strength of the roof trusses. Two types of sleepers – wood and metal – are common to residential and light commercial construction. Timber beam ties span the arch between two opposite beams, mechanically tying the beams together. Metal tie rods provide a structural connection point between the bottom of a single strut and the supporting wall. The type of tie required for roof trusses varies depending on the height and style of the finished interior ceiling.
Full coverage wood studs run flat between the two sides of an installed roof truss. The bottom of the beam tie is above the walls that support the beams. This limits the interior ceiling height to the height of the walls supporting the beams and allows for only flat or shallow ceilings. Metal sleepers are needed when the interior ceiling structure is a vault, cathedral, or half-story that requires headroom while leaving an open area for walking.
Metal beam ties are made from galvanized metal and contain stamped holes that allow an installer to push nails through the tie, beam and wall. A twist at the midpoint of the tie allows it to sit flat on both the beam side and stud side of the wall. The galvanized coating protects the base metal of the joist tie from corrosion. Excessive corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the joist tie. This will cause the tie to fail over time and create a weak spot in the installed beams.
Reducing the joist’s weak points requires a second type of bond that strengthens the roof against the uplift created by high winds pushing against one or both sides of a finished roof. Like a beam tie, beam collar ties are made of wood or metal and tie two beams together. Unlike rafter ties, most local building codes do not require ties as mandatory support for rafters. Installing ties on rafters is a good practice in areas where high winds from hurricane or gale force winds blow frequently.
Inspecting the strut links every few years will allow you to find rotted or corroded strut links before structural failure occurs. When a damaged tie is found, immediately installing a second tie on the opposite side of the rafters before removing the damaged tie will hold the rafters in place during the repair. This avoids a potentially dangerous situation for people living or working underneath the installed beams.
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