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What are Collar Ties?
Collar Ties are Structural Members Used in
Roof Designs
By Mark J. Donovan
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Collar ties are
used in construction framing and are used to strengthen roofs. If you look
in your attic you may notice a series of horizontal structural members tying
opposite roof rafters together. These horizontal structural members are
known as collar ties. Collar ties are used for structural reinforcement and
help to keep roof rafters from spreading out. Often collar ties serve two
functions. Sometimes they double as ceiling joists, depending upon how high
the ceiling is specified in the floor below the attic. |
| Typically collar ties are positioned mid span between the
roof rafters, however in some cases they may be located nearer the roof
ridge. Unexposed collar ties are commonly constructed out of 2x4s, 2x6s or
2x8s depending upon the span. Exposed collar ties are often made out of
large solid beams or sistered 2 by framing material that is then sheathed in
finished wood material. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
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Because collar ties are used for structural reinforcement
they should not be cut without first being inspected by a structural
engineer, building inspector or architect. An architect or engineer can
usually design an alternative solution to collar ties so that the attic
space can be opened up and the structural roof integrity maintained.
If you are in the process of designing a new home or room addition with a
cathedral ceiling, an architect can frequently design the roof using an
engineered ridge beam and other methods of fastening the roof rafters so
that collar ties are not required. |
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