Bathroom renovation website. Helpful Hints

What is the distance between the rafters of a gable roof. The distance between the rafters: learning to choose the right one

The quality and durability of the roof largely depend on the correct calculation of the pitch of the rafters. It affects the laying of insulation, the fastening of roofing material and the installation of additional parts. Pay attention only to the requirements for the distance under the roofing sheets, then there may be problems with the insulation boards. And vice versa, adjusting the size of the insulation can make the frame too weak, and in winter there will be a threat of collapse. How to correctly calculate the distance between the roof rafters? We will talk about this in our article.

As a rule, the pitch between the rafters depends on several factors. But usually the distance fluctuates between 0.6 and 1.2 meters. These figures are rounded, in practice the distance may differ by several centimeters downwards. For an accurate determination, the following calculations must be performed:

  1. Determine the length of the slope by measuring along the eaves of the house. Suppose that it turned out 17.8 meters.
  2. Divide the figure obtained by the planned step of the rafters. If it was decided that the distance between the beams would be 0.8 meters, then 17.8 / 0.8 = 22.25.
  3. Further, we round the result up and add one: 23 + 1 = 24. At this stage, the number of rafters required is determined.
  4. Now we calculate the distance between the axes of the beams. To do this, the length of the slope must be divided by the number of rafters: 17.8 / 24 \u003d 0.74 m.

So, you will determine the actual distance at which the rafters for a roof made of metal or some other material should stand.

Often, when planning a roof frame, specialized calculators are used. They enter basic data and get the finished result. Nevertheless, you should not completely trust the program, since only a person can take into account some conditions. When calculating, you can understand how the system works, what loads are acting. If necessary, adjustments are made to strengthen or facilitate the design. Self-calculation will help to more accurately determine the required pitch of the rafters of a gable and single-pitched roof.

Step calculation depending on the roofing material

For each coating, its own standards and dimensions are developed for the truss system. The main factors are the strength of the material, its weight and resistance to external loads. Consider the main types of coatings.

Decking

The step of the rafters under the corrugated board can vary from 0.6 to 0.9 m. The final result depends on additional conditions, which we will discuss below. If for some reason the step should be larger, a transverse board with a large section is added. In this case, usually the rafters themselves are chosen with dimensions of 50x100 or 50x150 mm.

In addition to the rafters, a crate of 30x100 millimeters is used. The gap between the boards should be about 0.5 meters. It can be more, it all depends on the type of corrugated board and the height of the wave. Sheathing boards protruding beyond the boundaries of the eaves should have a thickness of 1.5 cm more than usual. This is done based on the need to mount ventilation, a chimney or a drain.

Ceramic tiles

The main difficulty in designing a roof frame for ceramic tiles is the large weight of the material for the roof. It is 10 times heavier than corrugated board and accounts for 40 to 60 kg per square meter.

Under such a coating, dry beams are used, with a moisture content of only 15%. Their cross section should be either 50x150 or 60x180 mm. With such indicators, the maximum allowable distance between the rafters can be 1.3 meters. The minimum allowable step through which rafters can be placed is 0.8 m. The roof slope affects the final decision: at 15 °, the step is 0.8 m, at 75 ° - 1.3 m.

The length of the rafter leg is also taken into account, the shorter it is, the larger the gap, and vice versa. In addition, if the slope is less than 45 °, and movement is planned on the surface, the beams are placed in increments of no more than 0.85 m.

The distance between the boards of the crate is selected so that each intersection of the tiles has its own base. The standard length of the material is 400 mm, and the amount of overlap during installation varies between 55 and 90 mm. It turns out that the distance between the central axes of the crate can be either 310 or 345 millimeters.

metal tile

In recent years, the question has been particularly acute: how to determine the distance between the rafters under the metal tile? It imitates more expensive ceramic material, but at the same time it has the positive properties of corrugated board. Installation of such a coating is simple and does not require large financial costs. All this makes the material attractive for the roofs of private houses.

The mass of metal tiles is less than ceramic, so a simpler frame is required. The section of the beams is reduced to 50x150 mm and the step between the crate is increased. The step of the rafters under the metal tile varies between 0.6 and 0.95 m.

Ondulin

The allowable step for covering from ondulin is 0.6-0.9 meters. The standard section of the rafters is 50x200 millimeters. Such dimensions will allow to withstand the load of the roofing pie on the gable roof.

On top of the counter-lattice, a crate of bars measuring 40x50 millimeters is attached. The pitch between the central axis is 600 mm.

Additional factors

When calculating the pitch of the rafters, attention is paid not only to the type of roofing. Many other points are taken into account, data on which can be found in reference books and SNiPs. Here are some of the factors:

  1. Snow and wind loads. The more snow falls in winter and the stronger the winds blow, the smaller the distance between the beams should be. But, if you increase the angle of the roof slope over 45 °, then it is allowed to increase the step.
  2. Choice of heater. To reduce the cost of insulation boards, it is recommended to take into account their standard sizes. They produce mats with a width of 600, 800 and 1200 mm. If this condition is neglected, then a large number of undercuts will appear, cold bridges and construction will be delayed.
  3. lumber quality. It takes into account the type of wood, grade and section. As mentioned above, strength is affected by how well the beam was dried. When buying wood, pay attention to evenness and the presence of defects in the form of knots and traces of pests.
  4. Floor beams and puffs. If you equip the attic floor under a gable roof, then the maximum distance between the rafters should be 0.75 meters.

The calculation of the distance between the beams for a gable and single-pitched roof is different. Even if he makes several slopes, for each it is necessary to make a calculation individually. This is especially true for buildings with different lengths of cornices.

Taking into account all these factors, it is possible to determine how far the rafters should be installed. Although all calculations can be done independently, since reference data is freely available, it is better to turn to professionals. They have experience in designing, they will quickly determine the required distance between the rafters. So, you will avoid possible mistakes and be sure of safety.

The construction of the roof truss system and the subsequent roofing are the most important stages in any construction. This matter is very complicated, associated with comprehensive preparation, which includes the calculation of the main elements of the system and the acquisition of materials of the desired section. Not every novice builder will be able to design and sanitize a complex structure.

However, often in the construction of adjoining buildings, utility or auxiliary buildings, garages, sheds, gazebos and other objects, the special complexity of the roof is not required at all - the simplicity of design, the minimum amount of material costs and the speed of work, which are quite feasible, come first. for independent performance. It is in such situations that the rafter system becomes a kind of "lifesaver"

In this publication, the main focus is on the calculations of a shed roof structure. In addition, the most typical cases of its construction will be considered.

The main advantages of shed roofs

Despite the fact that not everyone likes the aesthetics of a building over which a pitched roof is mounted (although the question itself is ambiguous), many owners of suburban areas, when building buildings, and sometimes even a residential building, choose this option, guided by a number of advantages similar design.

  • Materials for a shed truss system, especially if it is being built over a small outbuilding, will require very little.
  • The most "rigid" flat figure is a triangle. It is he who underlies almost any truss system. In a shed system, this triangle is rectangular, which greatly simplifies the calculations, since all geometric relationships are known to everyone who graduated from high school. But this simplicity does not affect the strength and reliability of the entire structure.
  • Even if the owner of the site, who is leading an independent construction, has never previously encountered the construction of a roof, the installation of a shed truss system should not cause him excessive difficulties - it is quite understandable, not so complicated. Often, when blocking small outbuildings or other adjoining structures, it is quite possible to do not only without calling a team of specialists, but even without inviting assistants.
  • When erecting a roof structure, the speed of work is always important, naturally, without loss of quality - you want to protect the building from the vagaries of the weather as quickly as possible. According to this parameter, the shed roof is clearly the "leader" - in its design there are practically no complex connecting nodes that take a lot of time and require high-precision adjustment.

How significant are the shortcomings of a single-pitched truss system? Alas, they exist, and they also have to be reckoned with:

  • An attic with a shed roof is either not supposed at all, or it turns out to be so small that you have to forget about its wide functionality.

  • Based on the first point, there are certain difficulties in ensuring sufficient thermal insulation of the premises located under a pitched roof. Although, of course, this can be corrected - nothing prevents the roof slope itself from being insulated or from placing an insulated attic floor under the rafter system.
  • Shed roofs, as a rule, are made with a slight slope, up to 25 ÷ 30 degrees. This has two implications. First, not all types of roofing are suitable for such conditions. Secondly, the significance of the potential snow load increases sharply, which must be taken into account when calculating the system. But on the other hand, with such slopes, the influence of wind pressure on the roof is significantly reduced, especially if the slope is correctly positioned - to the windward side, in accordance with the prevailing winds in this area.

  • Another drawback, perhaps, can be attributed to very conditional and subjective - this is the appearance of a pitched roof. It may not appeal to lovers of architectural delights, they say, it greatly simplifies the appearance of the building. This can also be objected to. Firstly, the simplicity of the system and the cost-effectiveness of erection often play a decisive role in the construction of auxiliary structures. And three times - if you look at the overview of projects of residential buildings, you can find very interesting design options, in which the emphasis is on a shed roof. So, as they say, tastes differ.

How is a shed truss system calculated?

General principles of system calculation

In any scenario, a shed roof system is a structure of rafter legs installed parallel to each other. The name itself - “layered” indicates that the rafters rest (lean) on two rigid points of support. For ease of perception, we turn to a simple scheme. (By the way, we will return to the same scheme more than once - when calculating the linear and angular parameters of the system).


So, two points of support of the rafter leg. One of the points (V) located above the other (A) to a certain excess value (h). Due to this, a slope of the slope is created, which is expressed by the angle α.

Thus, as already noted, the construction of the system is based on a right-angled triangle ABC, in which the base is the horizontal distance between the support points ( d) - most often this is the length or width of the building being built. Second leg - excess h. Well, the length of the rafter leg between the fulcrum becomes the hypotenuse - L. Base angle (α) determines the slope of the roof slope.

Now let's consider the main aspects of choosing a design and performing calculations in more detail.

How will the required slope of the slope be created?

The principle of the location of the rafters - parallel to each other with a certain step, with the required slope angle of the slope - is common, but this can be achieved in various ways.


  • The first is that even at the stage of developing a building project, the height of one wall (shown in pink) is immediately laid in excess of h relative to the opposite (yellow). The two remaining walls, running parallel to the roof slope, are given a trapezoidal configuration. The method is quite common, and although it somewhat complicates the process of building walls, it extremely simplifies the creation of the roof truss system itself - almost everything is already ready for this.
  • The second method can, in principle, be considered a variation of the first. In this case, we are talking about frame construction. Even at the stage of project development, it is laid in it, then the vertical racks of the frame on one side are higher by the same amount h compared to the opposite.

In the illustrations above and in those that will be placed below, the diagrams are made with simplification - the Mauerlat passing along the upper end of the wall, or the strapping beam - on the frame structure is not shown. This does not fundamentally change anything, but in practice, this element, which is the basis for the installation of the truss system, cannot be dispensed with.

What is a Mauerlat and how is it attached to the walls?

The main task of this element is to evenly distribute the load from the rafter legs to the walls of the building. Rules for the selection of material and on the walls of the house - read in a special publication of our portal.

  • The following approach is practiced when the walls are of equal height. The excess of one side of the rafter legs over the other can be ensured by installing vertical racks of the required height h.

The solution is simple, but the design turns out, at first glance, somewhat unstable - each of the "rafter triangles" has a certain degree of freedom to the left - to the right. This is quite simply eliminated by fastening the transverse beams (boards) of the crate and sewing the rectangular gable part of the roof from the front side. The remaining pediment triangles on the sides are also sewn up with wood or other material convenient for the owner.

rafter mount

  • Another solution to the problem is the installation of a roof using shed trusses. This method is good because, after carrying out the calculations, it is possible to perfectly assemble and fit one truss, and then, taking it as a template, make the required number of exactly the same structures on the ground.

It is convenient to use such technology when, due to their large length, they require a certain amplification (this will be discussed below).


The rigidity of the entire truss system is already incorporated in the design of the truss - it is enough to install these assemblies on the Mauerlat with a certain step, gain a foothold on it, and then connect the trusses with a strapping or transverse bars of the crate.

Another advantage of this approach is that the truss performs both the role of the rafter leg and the floor beam. Thus, the problem of thermal insulation of the ceiling and filing of the flow is greatly simplified - everything for this will be ready right away.

  • Finally, one more case - it is suitable for the situation when a shed roof is planned over an extension being built near the house.

On the one hand, the rafter legs rest on the racks of the frame or on the wall of the extension being built. On the opposite side is the main wall of the main building, and the rafters can rest on a horizontal run fixed on it, or on individual fasteners (brackets, embedded bars, etc.), but also aligned horizontally. The attachment line of this side of the rafter legs is also made in excess h.


Please note that despite the differences in approaches to the installation of a shed system, the same “rafter triangle” is present in all options - this will be important for calculating the parameters of a future roof.

In which direction should the roof slope be provided?

It would seem - an idle question, however, it is necessary to decide on it in advance.

In some cases, for example, if there are no special options, the slope should be located only in the direction from the building in order to ensure free flow of storm water and melted snow.

On a stand-alone building, there are already certain choices. Of course, the option is rarely considered in which the truss system is positioned in such a way that the direction of the slope falls on the front part (although such a solution is not excluded). Most often, the slope is organized back or to one side.


Here it is already possible to take the external design of the building under construction, the features of the territory of the site, the convenience of laying communications of the storm water collection system, etc. as selection criteria. But you should still keep in mind certain nuances.

  • The optimal location of a shed roof is to the windward side. This allows you to minimize the wind effect, which can work with the lifting application of the force vector, when the slope turns into a kind of wing - the wind tries to tear the roof up. It is for pitched roofs that this is of paramount importance. When the wind blows into the roof, especially at small angles of steepness of the slopes, the value of the wind effect will be minimal.
  • The second aspect of the choice is the length of the slope: with a rectangular building, it can be placed along it or across it. It is important to consider here that the length of the rafters without reinforcement cannot be unlimited. In addition, the longer the span of the rafters between the support points, the thicker the lumber used for the manufacture of these parts should be in cross section. This dependence will be explained a little later, already during the calculations of the system.

However, they practice the rule that the free length of the rafter leg should usually not exceed 4.5 meters. With an increase in this parameter, additional elements of structural reinforcement are necessarily provided. Examples are shown in the illustration below:


So, with a distance between opposite walls from 4.5 to 6 meters, it will already be necessary to install a rafter leg (strut), located at an angle of 45 °, and resting from below on a rigidly fixed support beam (lying). At distances up to 12 meters, it will be necessary to install a vertical rack in the center, which should be based either on a reliable ceiling, or even on a major partition inside the building. The rack also rests on the bed, and in addition, a strut is also installed on each side. This is all the more relevant due to the fact that the standard length of lumber usually does not exceed 6 meters, and the rafter leg will have to be made composite. So without additional support to do in any case will not work.

A further increase in the length of the slope leads to an even greater complication of the system - it becomes necessary to install several vertical racks, with a step of no more than 6 meters, relying on capital walls, and linking these racks with contractions, installing the same struts on each rack, and on both outer walls.

Thus, you should think carefully about where it will be more profitable to orient the direction of the roof slope also for reasons of simplifying the design of the truss system.

wood screws

What angle of slope will be optimal?

In the vast majority of cases, when it comes to a pitched roof, an angle of up to 30 degrees is chosen. This is due to a number of reasons, and the most important of them has already been mentioned - the strong vulnerability of the single-slope structure to the wind load from the front side. It is clear that, following the recommendations, the direction of the slope is oriented to the windward side, but this does not mean at all that the wind on the other side is completely excluded. The steeper the angle of inclination, the greater the resulting lifting force becomes, and the greater the shear load will be experienced by the roof structure.


In addition, shed roofs with a large angle of inclination look somewhat awkward. Of course, this is sometimes used in bold architectural and design projects, but we are talking about more “mundane” cases ...

Too gentle slope, with a slope angle of up to 10 degrees, is also not very desirable, for the reason that the load on the truss system from snow drifts increases sharply. In addition, with the onset of snowmelt, it is very likely that ice will appear along the lower edge of the slope, making it difficult for the free flow of melt water.

An important criterion for choosing the slope angle of the slope is the intended one. It is no secret that for various roofing materials there are certain "frameworks", that is, the minimum allowable roof slope angle.

The slope angle itself can be expressed not only in degrees. It is more convenient for many masters to operate with other parameters - proportions or percentages (even in some technical sources you can find a similar system of measurements).

Proportional calculus is the ratio of the span length ( d) to the slope height ( h). It can be expressed, for example, in a ratio of 1:3, 1:6, and so on.

The same ratio, but in absolute terms and reduced to percentages, gives a slightly different expression. For example, 1:5 - this will be a slope of 20%, 1:3 - 33.3%, etc.

To simplify the perception of these nuances, below is a table with a graph-diagram showing the ratio of degrees and percentages. The scheme is fully scaled, that is, it can be easily converted from one value to another.

The red lines show the conditional division of roofs: up to 3 ° - flat, from 3 to 30 ° - roofs with a small slope, from 30 to 45 ° - medium steepness, and above 45 - steep slopes.

The blue arrows and their corresponding numerical designations (in circles) show the established lower limits for the use of a particular roofing material.


Slope Type of acceptable roofing (minimum slope) Illustration
1 0 to 2°Completely flat roof or sloped up to 2°.
At least 4 layers of rolled bituminous coating applied using a "hot" technology, with a mandatory top dressing of fine gravel embedded in molten mastic.
2 ≈ 2°
1:40 or 2.5%
Same as in point 1, but 3 layers of bituminous material will be enough, with obligatory sprinkling
3 ≈ 3°
1:20 or 5%
At least three layers of bituminous roll material, but without gravel backfill
4 ≈ 9°
1:6.6 or 15%
When using rolled bituminous materials - at least two layers glued to the mastic in a hot way.
It is allowed to use some types of corrugated board and metal tiles
(according to the manufacturer's recommendations).
5 ≈ 10°
1:6 or 17%
Asbestos-cement slate corrugated sheets of reinforced profile.
Euroslate (single line).
6 ≈ 11÷12°
1:5 or 20%
Soft bituminous tile
7 ≈ 14°
1:4 or 25%
Flat asbestos-cement slate with reinforced profile.
Decking and metal tiles - practically without restrictions.
8 ≈ 16°
1:3.5 or 29%
Sheet steel roofing with folded connection of adjacent sheets
9 ≈ 18÷19°
1:3 or 33%
Slate asbestos-cement corrugated regular profile
10 ≈ 26÷27°
1:2 or 50%
Natural ceramic or cement tiles, slate or composite resin tiles
11 ≈ 39°
1:1.25 or 80%
Roofing from wood chips, shingles, natural shingle.
For lovers of special exotics - reed roofing

Having such information and having outlines for the future roofing, it will be easier to determine the slope angle of the slope.

metal tile

How to set the desired slope angle?

Let's turn again to our basic "rafter triangle" scheme, posted above.

So, to set the required slope angle α , it is necessary to ensure the elevation of one side of the rafter leg by an amount h. The ratios of the parameters of a right-angled triangle are known, that is, it will not be difficult to determine this height:

h = d × tg α

The value of the tangent is a tabular value that is easy to find in reference literature or in tables published on the Internet. But in order to simplify the task for our reader as much as possible, a special calculator is placed below, which will allow you to perform calculations in just a few seconds.

In addition, the calculator will help to solve, if necessary, the inverse problem - by changing the slope angle in a certain range, select the optimal value of the excess when this criterion becomes decisive.

Calculator for calculating the excess of the upper point of the installation of the rafter leg

Specify the requested values ​​and click the button "Calculate the value of the excess h"

Base distance between rafter support points d (meters)

Planned roof slope angle α (degrees)

How to determine the length of the rafter leg?

There should also be no difficulties in this matter - on two known sides of a right-angled triangle, it will not be difficult to calculate the third one using the well-known Pythagorean theorem. In our case, in application to the basic scheme, this ratio will be as follows:

L2 =d² +

L = √ (d² +h2)

When calculating the length of the rafter legs, one nuance should be taken into account.

With small slope lengths, the length of the rafters is often increased by the width of the cornice overhang - it will be easier to mount this entire assembly later. However, with large dynes of the rafter legs, or in the case when, due to circumstances, it is necessary to use a material of a very large section, this approach does not always seem reasonable. In such a situation, the extension of the rafters is used with the help of special elements of the system - filly.


It is clear that in the case of a shed roof, there can be two cornice overhangs, that is, on both sides of the building, or one - when the roof is attached to the wall of the building.

Below is a calculator that will help you quickly and accurately calculate the required length of the rafter leg for a pitched roof. Optionally, you can carry out calculations taking into account the cornice overhang, or without it.

Shed roof rafter length calculator

Enter the requested values ​​and press the button "Calculate the length of the rafter leg L"

Exceeding height h (meters)

Base length d (meters)

Calculation conditions:

Required eaves width ΔL (meters)

Number of overhangs:

It is clear that if the length of the rafter leg exceeds the standard dimensions of commercially available lumber (usually 6 meters), then you will either have to abandon the formation with the help of rafters in favor of fillies, or resort to splicing the timber. You can immediately assess the consequences of this “results” in order to make the best decision.

How to determine the required section of the rafters?

The length of the rafter legs (or the distance between the points of their attachment to the Mauerlat) is now known. The parameter of the height of raising one edge of the rafter was found, that is, there is also the value of the angle of the slope of the future roof. Now you need to decide on the section of the board or beam, which will be used for the manufacture of rafter legs and, in conjunction with this, the steps for their installation.

All of these parameters are closely interconnected and must ultimately correspond to the possible load on the truss system in order to ensure the strength and stability of the entire roof structure, without its distortions, deformation or even collapse.


Principles for calculating the distributed load on the rafters

All loads falling on the roof can be divided into several categories:

  • A constant static load, which is determined by the mass of the rafter system itself, the roofing material, the lathing to it, and with insulated slopes - by the weight of the thermal insulation, the inner lining of the attic ceiling, etc. This total indicator largely depends on the type of roofing material used - it is clear that the massiveness of corrugated board, for example, cannot be compared with natural tiles or asbestos-cement slate. And yet, when designing a roofing system, they always strive to keep this indicator within 50 ÷ 60 kg / m².
  • Temporary loads on the roof due to the influence of external causes. This is, of course, the snow load on the roof, which is especially characteristic of roofs with a slight slope slope. The wind load plays its role, and although it is not so great at small slope angles, it should not be completely discounted. Finally, the roof must also support the weight of a person, for example, when carrying out any repair work or when cleaning the roof from snowdrifts.
  • A separate group is extreme loads of a natural nature, caused, for example, by hurricane winds, snowfalls or rains that are abnormal for a given area, tectonic earth tremors, etc. It is practically impossible to foresee them, but when calculating for this case, a certain reserve of strength of structural elements is laid.

The total loads are expressed in kilograms per square meter of roof area. (In the technical literature, they often operate with other quantities - kilopascals. It is easy to translate - 1 kilopascal is approximately equal to 100 kg / m²).

The load falling onto the roof is distributed along the rafter legs. Obviously, the more often they are installed, the less pressure will fall on each linear meter of the rafter leg. This can be expressed by the following relation:

Qр = Qс × S

Qp- distributed load per linear meter of the rafter, kg / m;

Qc- total load per unit area of ​​the roof, kg / m²;

S- installation step of the rafter legs, m.

For example, calculations show that an external impact of 140 kg is likely on the roof. with an installation step of 1.2 m, for each linear meter of the rafter leg, there will already be 196 kg. But on the other hand, if you install the rafters more often, with a step of, say, 600 mm, then the degree of impact on these structural details decreases sharply - only 84 kg / m.

Well, according to the obtained value of the distributed load, it is already easy to determine the required cross-section of lumber that can withstand such an impact, without deflections, torsion, fractures, etc. There are special tables, one of which is given below:

The estimated value of the specific load per 1 linear meter of the rafter leg, kg / mCross-section of lumber for the manufacture of rafter legs
75 100 125 150 175 from round timber from a board (beam)
diameter, mmboard (beam) thickness, mm
40 50 60 70 80 90 100
The planned length of the rafters between the support points, m board (beam) height, mm
4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 120 180 170 160 150 140 130 120
5 4.5 4 3.5 3 140 200 190 180 170 160 150 140
5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 160 - 210 200 190 180 170 160
6 5.5 5 4.5 4 180 - - 220 210 200 190 180
6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 200 - - - 230 220 210 200
- 6.5 6 5.5 5 220 - - - - 240 230 220

This table is very easy to use.

  • In its left part, the calculated specific load on the rafter leg is found (with an intermediate value, the nearest one is taken upwards).

According to the found column, they go down to the value of the required length of the rafter leg.

In this line, on the right side of the table, the necessary parameters of lumber are given - the diameter of the round timber or the width and height of the beam (board). Here you can choose the most convenient option for you.

For example, calculations gave a load value of 90 kg / m. The length of the rafter leg between the support points is 5 meters. The table shows that a log with a diameter of 160 mm or a board (beam) of the following sections can be used: 50 × 210; 60×200; 70×190; 80×180; 80×180; 90×170; 100×160.

The case "for small" - to determine the total and distributed load.

There is a developed, rather complex and cumbersome calculation algorithm. However, in this publication we will not overload the reader with an array of formulas and coefficients, but we will suggest using a calculator specially designed for this purpose. True, to work with it, it is necessary to make several explanations.

The entire territory of Russia is divided into several zones according to the probable level of snow load. In the calculator, you will need to enter the zone number for the region in which the construction is being carried out. You can find your zone on the map below:


The level of snow load is affected by the angle of the roof slope - this value is already known to us.

Initially, the approach is similar to that in the previous case - you need to determine your zone, but only by the degree of wind pressure. The schematic map is located below:


For wind load, the height of the roof being erected is important. Not to be confused with the excess parameter considered earlier! In this case, it is the height from ground level to the highest point of the roof that is of interest.

The calculator will offer to determine the construction area and the degree of openness of the construction site. The criteria for evaluating the level of openness in the calculator are given. However, there is a nuance.

It is possible to speak about the presence of these natural or artificial barriers to the wind only if they are located no further than at a distance of no more than 30×H, where H is the height of the house being built. This means that in order to assess the degree of openness for a building with a height of, for example, 6 meters, only those signs that are located no further than within a radius of 180 meters can be taken into account.

In this calculator, the installation step of the rafters is a variable. This approach is convenient from the standpoint that by varying the step value, you can track how the distributed load on the rafters changes, and therefore choose the most appropriate option in terms of selecting the necessary lumber.

By the way, if a shed roof is planned to be insulated, then it makes sense to bring the installation step of the rafters to the dimensions of standard insulation boards. For example, if 600 × 1000 mm basalt wool pits are used, then it is better to set the rafter pitch to either 600 or 1000 mm. Due to the thickness of the rafter legs, the distance "in the light" between them will be 50 ÷ 70 mm less - and these are almost ideal conditions for the tightest fit of the insulation blocks, without gaps.

However, back to the calculations. All other data for the calculator is known, and calculations can be carried out.

The construction of the roof of a building is an important stage in the construction of a house, while it is necessary to calculate the pitch of the rafters as accurately as possible, since the reliability and service life of the roof will depend on this.

If the master does not pay attention to the calculations and installs the rafters, focusing only on his own eye, then the frame will turn out to be either too heavy, moreover, expensive, or fragile.

General calculation rules

The step of the rafters is the distance from one to the other rafter leg. It is believed that such a distance is set in the range from 60 cm to 100 - 120 cm (determining the optimal width, you need to take into account the dimensions of waterproofing materials and insulation).

The exact installation step of the rafters for a gable roof can be calculated according to the following scheme:

  • measure the length of the slope along the cornice of the roof;
  • we divide the measurement data by a certain step (we determined a step of 1 m - we divide by 1, if the step is 0.8 m - we divide by 0.8, etc.);
  • add 1 to the resulting number;
  • the result is rounded up (in the direction of increase) - we see the number of rafters for installation on one slope of a gable roof;
  • we divide the length of the slope by the resulting number and get the exact step between the rafters.

For example, the length of the roof slope is 30.5 meters, given the width of the insulation and waterproofing rolls, a step of 1 meter is selected.

30.5 m / 1 m = 30.5 + 1 = 31.5. Rounding up gives a result of 32. 32 rafters are required for the frame for the roof slope.

30.5 m / 32 pcs. \u003d 0.95 cm - the distance (step) between the centers of the rafters.


However, this formula does not take into account the nuances of certain roofing materials, therefore, in the future, the article will discuss how to calculate the correct pitch of the rafters for the most popular coatings.

It is especially worth highlighting the rafter system during the construction of a hip roof (envelope). The construction of such a roof begins to be built precisely from the hip legs, into which the rest of the rafters then crash.

The hip, which has a length of over 6 m, is often reinforced by sewing it together from two elements. Otherwise, the installation and calculation of the pitch of the rafters for a hip roof are similar to the installation and calculation of a gable roof.

Rafter system for ceramic and metal tiles

The use of metal tiles in the construction of private sector houses is the most common phenomenon, which is facilitated by a number of its positive qualities.

Firstly, this is a small weight of the coating, which facilitates installation and helps to reduce loads on supporting structures.

Secondly, sheets of metal tiles can quickly cover large areas of the roof, which is very convenient, especially if you choose a gable version of the roof.

The step of the rafters under the metal tile is set in the range from 60 to 95 cm, since the relatively small weight of the roof does not require increased resistance. Due to the low weight of the coating, the thickness of the rafters can also be reduced.

As for the thickness of the heat-insulating material used to insulate metal roofs, experts believe that when installing an attic under it, for greater confidence in reliability, thermal insulation of 20 cm can be used, in other cases 15 cm is enough.

A feature of roofs covered with metal tiles is the possibility of condensation.

This can be avoided by organizing ventilation during the installation of the rafters: for this, several holes (about 10 mm in diameter) must be drilled in the rafters at a short distance from the top.

As for the installation of a frame made of rafters under a coating such as natural (ceramic) tiles, it is necessary to remember its large weight.

In comparison with other modern materials, tiles are 10 times heavier or more. Given this feature, experts recommend using exclusively dry wood for it in order to avoid sagging after drying.

For rafters in this case, you need to use a beam with a section of 50 - 60 mm * 150 - 180 mm; the step width of the rafter legs is set in the range of 80 - 130 cm, while the greater the degree of roof slope, the greater the distance between the axes of the rafters.

The pitch of the rafters is also dependent on their length: the greatest length will require the smallest distance, and vice versa. Otherwise, the roof frame will lose the necessary stability.

Given the size of the tile (as a rule, its length does not exceed 40 cm), it is necessary to correctly calculate the width of the step of the crate stuffed onto the rafters.

From the length of the slope, you need to subtract the length of the bottom row and the number of centimeters between the crate and the last bar.

Frame for ondulin, corrugated board and soft roof

Relatively new on the market of materials are such types of roofing as corrugated board and ondulin. At the same time, they are successfully used both in the construction of a gable and hip roof.

The weight of these materials is almost equal to the weight of the metal tile, so the calculation of the width of the rafter pitch will be similar to the calculation when laying metal sheets. The pitch of the rafters for corrugated board is determined from the range of 60 - 90 cm, for ondulin - 60 - 100 cm.

The sufficient thickness of the rafters themselves when covering the roof with ondulin and corrugated board is 50 * 200 mm.

If it is necessary to increase the distance between the centers of the rafters, then you can increase the strength of the transverse crate.

The rule for installing a batten under a corrugated board is similar to installing a batten for a metal tile: the last board must be taken wider than the rest (usually 15 cm thicker).

The crate for ondulin must be made solid to increase the resistance of the material to various weather conditions.

Speaking about the device of the truss system for a soft roof, it is worth remembering the types of such material presented on the markets: this is a roll type of roofing and bituminous tiles.

The name itself suggests that a soft roof requires a very strong foundation that will withstand heavy snow, gusts of wind and heavy rains.

The main requirements for roof frames for soft roofing are that they must be strong and even.

Strength must be calculated for the thickness of the snow typical for the region in which the structure is being built, and for the average weight of an adult male, so that troubleshooting is possible.

A flat roof should be for the reason that to exclude the possibility of sagging under the influence of the above weather phenomena.

Between the axes of the rafters for a roof frame with a soft roof, the step should be small, no more than 50 cm.

If the step is still larger, you will need to make a rough crate, on which the main, solid one will already be mounted.

The counter-lattice will help the soft roof not to bend and increase its service life by an order of magnitude. For a continuous crate, a 30 mm board or a 20 mm OSB board is more often used.

If a soft roof is provided as a covering for a hip roof with the organization of an attic space, then it is necessary to think about its insulation by thinking over a filing for laying insulation, hydro and vapor barrier.

These are all the subtleties of the roof frame device for a soft roof.

Rafter for slate roof

Despite the richness and variety of modern materials, the good old slate remains quite popular. The use of expensive roofing is far from always justified, and it is then that an asbestos-cement sheet comes to the rescue.

The weight of slate is quite impressive, while its installation does not require any kind of grandiose crate. This is because such a roof in itself is quite strong.

For the construction of the roof frame, in this case, rafters with a section of 150 * 40 mm and a bar with a section of 35 * 35 mm for the crate are required.

Lumber for the construction of the frame should be stacked and kept for some time to give the same level of moisture.

After the drying process is completed, the bend must be determined. Rafter legs are recommended to be installed with the concave part (tray) up - so if water gets on the rafters, it will slide down, bypassing the attic space.

Before starting the installation, the beams are checked for the content of knots in them and rejected, since the knotted material may not withstand the weight of the roof.

Rafter fasteners in this case are produced with nails, the optimal length of which is 15 - 20 cm.

Nails should pierce the timber through, however, the peeking ends should never be bent, since it is necessary to maintain the mobility of the structure.

With drying and deformation of the tree, this technique will prevent cracking of the slate sheets.

The lathing for the device of a slate roof can be continuous or sparse. A solid one is made from a sheet of OSB or plywood and is more often used when laying flat slate.

Sparse is typical for laying wave slate on it. For a sheet with a standard size of 1.75 m, the crate pitch is about 80 cm. There is no point in making the crate more frequent, since the slate has a sufficient margin of safety.

After analyzing the materials of the article, you can independently engage in the construction of a gable and hip roof frame, determining for yourself their features and properties of roofing materials.

It would not be superfluous to recall that the calculation of the rafter pitch is a very responsible task, and it is necessary to approach its markup responsibly, since this will avoid mistakes and speed up the progress of work in the future.

Before the construction of the truss system and the organization of the roof, a number of simple measures must be carried out, which will be the key to the integrity of the structure. This includes choosing the type of roof.

It can be hanging or layered, or maybe a combined version. This is when two types are combined in one building.

Live loads are snow cover on the roof in winter, water flows from rain in summer, wind, the load that a person exerts when carrying out maintenance work during the operation of the roof, etc.

Permanent loads include the weight of the rafter system itself, the weight of the roofing material and the roofing pie, the mass of interior decoration, if it is planned to organize an attic in the attic of the building.

When creating a project for a single-pitched or dual-pitched roof, first of all, they choose the type of truss structure, the angle of inclination of the roof slopes, as well as materials for the construction of the structure. When calculating the distance between the rafters, one should take into account the loads that will affect the roof of the building during operation.

  • The weight of the roofing material;
  • The weight of the building materials from which the roof truss frame is built;
  • Weight of insulation, vapor barrier, waterproofing;
  • The weight of the finishing material of the attic or residential attic space.

The following temporary loads also affect the roof of the structure:

  • Snow weight;
  • The weight of a worker performing maintenance and repair of the roof.

For the correct calculation of the pitch of the rafters, it is necessary to take into account the cross section of the elements of the structure under construction, the presence of thermal insulation of the roof, the type of lathing and roofing. Calculations should be performed on the basis of SNiP 2.01.85 "Loads and impacts".

Video on how to calculate the truss system:

Scheme for calculating the distance between the rafters

All calculations are carried out at the design stage of the building. They are carried out by design engineers of the organization where the house project was ordered.

If the project has not been drawn up and the person relies only on the experience of the masters who are entrusted with the construction of the roof, then in this case you need to familiarize yourself with the relevant documentation. These are SNiP 2.01.85 "Loads and Impacts" and "Changes from SNiP 2.01.85".

There is a detailed calculation scheme and a map of the country's climatic zones.

Further, they are determined with the type of roofing system and the purpose of the attic space. Indeed, depending on whether it is an unheated attic or a living room, the loads on the rafters will be different, and, consequently, the course of calculations also changes.

The calculations must necessarily take into account the climatic zone where the work is carried out, the structural material of the rafters and its cross section.

So, the pitch of the rafters is the distance between the rafter legs. It can vary within 0.6 m - 1.0 m.

Calculation progress:

  1. First, the length of the roof slope is measured. Further, this value is divided by the step length of the rafters of the selected material. This indicator is taken from the SNIP and is unique for each building material and also depends on the beam section used;
  2. one is added to the result of previous calculations and rounded up. Thus, an integer value is obtained and it indicates the required number of beams;
  3. the length of the roof slope is divided by the resulting integer. The result will show how many beams are needed to build a high-quality and durable roof.

Experts point to the following feature of roofs with a steep slope. When erecting them, you can reduce the distance between the rafters. This is due to the transfer of the load from the beams to the wall of the house.

The distance between the rafters for different types of roofs

However, the calculation of the distance between the rafters cannot be carried out so unambiguously. After all, this indicator also depends on the type of structural material used for the roof.

The distance between the beams for a roof made of metal

The average weight exerted on the roof is 35 kg/m². To withstand it, the roof must have a step of 0.6-0.9 m. In this case, a beam with a section of 50x150mm is used.

However, metal tiles are often used in the construction of country houses and cottages. And in such structures, the attic space is often equipped as a living room.

This leads to the installation of a roofing pie and all kinds of heaters, which, in turn, put an additional load on the rafters. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the cross section of the beam for beams. This is especially true for regions with low air temperatures in winter. The recommended dimensions of the rafters are 50x200mm.

In addition, the distance between the rafters can be adjusted to the width of the insulation. This will not only increase the bearing capacity of the roof, but also simplify the arrangement of the heat-insulating layer, and reduce the consumption of insulation.

The distance between the beams for the roof of corrugated board

The recommended rafter pitch for a roof is 0.6 m - 0.9 m. However, here it is necessary to take into account the operational characteristics of the corrugated board itself. If the step is large, then the corrugated board will “sag” under its own weight, thereby changing the geometry of the roof and its technical characteristics.

To prevent this, you need to mount additional boards with a large section as a crate. They will act in some way as rafters.

The cross section of the rafters for roofing from corrugated board is 50x100 mm or 50x150 mm. The crate is made of a board with a section of 30x100 mm.

The distance between the beams for a roof made of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are a heavy material for roofing. It exerts a load on the rafters in the range of 40-60 kg per m². That is why the distance between the rafters in this case will be minimal - 80-130 cm. The greater the weight, the smaller the distance. However, the latter indicator may decrease, depending on the angle of the roof. The larger it is, the less often you can mount beams.

Installation of the structure for ondulin

The step of the rafter legs under the ondulin should be 60-100 centimeters. For the manufacture of rafters, lumber with a section of 200 × 50 mm is used. This is enough to create the most durable and reliable truss frame.

It should be noted that under this roofing material it is necessary to make a continuous crate. Due to this, the material will better resist snow loads and solar exposure.

Sometimes a thinned type of crate is used. For its manufacture, a wooden beam is used. The distance between adjacent elements should be less than 30 centimeters. This option, as a rule, is more expensive compared to a continuous crate.

Rafter system under slate

Slate roofing is considered the most common in Russia. The main reason is the low cost of this roofing material, the ease and speed of installation work. Also an important advantage is the possibility of replacing individual damaged slate sheets with new ones.

The distance between the rafter legs for a slate roof should be 80 centimeters. This distance is considered the most optimal.

The crate under the slate should be thinned out. For its manufacture, a board or timber with a cross section of at least 30 millimeters is used. It is this thickness of the timber or board that is required for the qualitative distribution of the weight of the roofing and winter precipitation.

When erecting a rafter system, one should remember about a constant margin of safety. It may be needed in case of bad weather and under mechanical stress.

Rafter frame for a soft roof

Soft roofing includes soft tiles, bitumen-polymer and bituminous roll materials, as well as roofing membranes. The main advantages of this type of roof include low weight, as well as the absence of the need to build a massive rafter system.

The minimum pitch of the rafters is 60 centimeters, and the maximum is 150 centimeters. When erecting a rafter frame under a soft roof, the angle of inclination of the slopes should be taken into account. In other words, the smaller the slope of the roof slopes, the less you need to make the distance between the rafter legs for a continuous crate.

The distance between the rafters also depends on the material from which the crate will be made. The greater the thickness of the plywood or OSB sheet, the greater the pitch of the rafters can be.

Roof made of sandwich panels

Roofing of this type, as a rule, is erected on hangar-type buildings or houses made of sip panels. Sandwich panels have bending rigidity, so their installation does not require the installation of traditional rafter legs.

If the spans from the top of the wall to the ridge of the gable roof are small, then the sandwich panels are mounted without additional supports.

With a span length of more than 400 centimeters, it is necessary to install additional runs. When building a roof from sandwich panels on a residential building, a traditional truss frame is often erected. However, in this case, the distance between the rafter legs can be made large, since they serve as a support for the runs.

Choose the distance between the rafters based on the length of the bearing walls and the length of the material for the runs. Roofing made of sandwich panels is able to withstand high operational loads.

Construction of a truss frame for polycarbonate

Recently, polycarbonate is often used in the construction of roofing. It is used in the construction of sheds, winter gardens and arbors. The rafter frame and crate are made of metal or wood.

Polycarbonate differ in weight, which depends on the thickness of the sheet. The step of the crate for polycarbonate should be from 60 to 80 cm. The crate made of metal or wood is attached to the rafters (straight or arched).

The distance between the rafter legs for polycarbonate, as a rule, is 150-230 cm. To correctly calculate the distance between the rafters, it is necessary to take into account the glazing area, the thickness and dimensions of the sheets. It should also be remembered that polycarbonate sheets are mounted with small gaps.

The distance between the rafters is one of the key parameters that affect the strength of the structure. Competent calculation of the installation step of the rafters allows you to build a roof that is resistant to high operational loads.

Roof loads and rafter system calculation

The development of a single-pitched or dual-pitched roof project begins with the choice of the type of truss system, the angle of inclination of the slopes (roof height) and materials for the construction of the structure. The calculation of the distance between the rafter legs is carried out taking into account the loads that the roof will experience during operation. Permanent loads include:

  • the weight of the materials from which the truss system is made;
  • roofing weight;
  • weight of roofing cake materials (waterproofing, vapor barrier, insulation);
  • the weight of the finishing elements of a residential attic or attic.

In addition to permanent loads, the roof also experiences temporary ones, which include:

  • snow cover weight;
  • the weight of a person during the maintenance and repair of the roof.
  • A step is the distance between the rafters of one slope. When calculating a shed, gable or complex roof, the following scheme is usually followed:

    • the length of the future roof slope is measured;
    • the resulting value is divided by the optimal numerical value of the pitch of the rafters;
    • one is added to the obtained value, the result is rounded off;
    • the length of the roof slope is divided by the rounded result.

    The final result will determine how far the rafter legs should be placed. The determination of the step cannot be extremely accurate, since it is necessary to take into account a number of additional factors, including the width of the insulation, the particular installation of the crate for various types of roofing material. If a roof with a chimney is being designed, the pitch can be adjusted according to its location so that it is not necessary to remove part of the rafter in the future and install a supporting structure, such as a special rafter system.

    The distance between the rafters under the slate

    Slate is a traditional roofing material. Its advantages include such characteristics as resistance to external influences (excluding mechanical ones) and low cost. Slate allows you to create a roofing, the repair of which can be reduced to the replacement of individual elements. Slate is heavy and requires the installation of a sufficiently powerful truss system. The calculation of the distance at which it is necessary to put the rafters under the slate is carried out taking into account the cross section of the beam for the manufacture of rafter legs.

    The optimal solution is to install the system under the slate, in which the gap between the rafters must be at least 800 mm. In order for the slate structure to withstand not only the weight of the material, but also increased external loads, the crate is made of timber or boards with a cross section of at least 30 mm. When calculating the truss system for slate, it should be read that this material has rather large restrictions on the choice of the angle of inclination of the slopes.

    Rafters for metal roofing

    Metal tiles are actively used as a practical and aesthetic roofing material when arranging a shed, gable, hip or complex roof. The frame for the metal tile is built according to standard principles. To calculate at what distance it is better to place the rafters, it is necessary to take into account the loads and the angle of the roof. The metal tile is characterized by a relatively small weight, so it can serve as a replacement for the old roofing of slate or ceramic tiles. In this case, the rafters do not need to be strengthened or the pitch of their installation changed.

    The standard step of rafters for metal tiles is 600-900 mm. The cross section of the elements can be 50-150 mm - this is enough to create a reliable frame for a metal tile. But if it is planned to use insulation, the layer of which in areas with low winter temperatures should be 200 mm, it is recommended to use a 200x50 beam for rafters under metal tiles so as not to mount an additional system that holds the insulation. The gap between the rafters under the metal tile is best adjusted to the width of the sheet or roll heat insulator.

    Decking: rafters and crate

    The professional flooring belongs to easy and convenient roofing materials in application. Galvanized or coated with a decorative and protective layer, corrugated board can be used both for mounting a shed roof of a utility room or garage, and for a gable roof of a residential building. How to calculate the distance required to install the rafters under the corrugated board?

    To ensure the necessary rigidity of the structure, it is enough to install the rafters under the corrugated board in increments of 600-900 mm. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to the angle of the roof. The calculation shows that with high external loads, it is better to lay the corrugated board on the system with a minimum step. But if the distance between the rafters under the corrugated board is close to the maximum, and the angle of the roof slope is small, then the structure is strengthened by using a more frequent crate. In this case, the step of the crate under the corrugated board should be about 50 mm, the width of the elements should be at least 100 mm.

    Rafter system for soft roofing

    Soft roofing includes bituminous and bitumen-polymer roll materials, roofing membranes, as well as soft tiles. A soft roof is characterized by a relatively low weight and no need to install a massive truss structure.

    The minimum distance between the rafters is 600 mm, the maximum is 1500 mm. When installing a support under a soft roof, it is important to take into account the angle of inclination of the slopes: the smaller the angle, the smaller the distance between the supports for a continuous crate should be. The choice of step is also influenced by the thickness of the material for the crate - the thicker the sheet of plywood or OSB, the greater the installation step of the rafter legs can be.

    Ondulin: calculation of rafters

    Ondulin (bituminous slate) is laid on a flat, continuous crate made of sheet material. This allows the roofing to successfully resist wind and snow loads. The crate under the ondulin rests on the rafters, which should be located in increments of 600 - 1000 mm, depending on the angle of inclination of the gable or shed roof.

    Rafters for ondulin are made of timber with a section of 200 × 50 mm. When choosing at what distance to put the rafter legs for the structure under the ondulin, it is recommended to take into account the width of the insulation material in order to simplify its installation. This calculation allows you to reduce the financial costs of arranging the roof.

    Sandwich panel roof

    Sandwich roofing is most often erected on sip-panel houses or hangar-type buildings. A feature of the sandwich is its bending rigidity, which makes it possible to dispense with the installation of traditional rafters. Small spans from the ridge of a gable roof to the upper part of the wall (or the distance between the supporting structures of a shed roof) allow the installation of a sandwich without additional supports.

    If the span exceeds 4 meters, additional girders must be installed. To install a sandwich roof on a residential building, a traditional rafter system is often installed, but in this case the rafters can be positioned with a large step - they serve as a support for the girders. The distance between the rafter legs is selected based on the length of the available material for the runs and the length of the load-bearing walls. The technical parameters of the sandwich allow the roof to withstand high operating loads.

    Polycarbonate: erection of the supporting structure

    Polycarbonate has recently been actively used as a roofing material. First of all, polycarbonate is in demand in the construction of gazebos, sheds, winter gardens. The crate and truss system for polycarbonate can be made of wood or metal.

    Polycarbonate varies in weight depending on the thickness of the sheet. The crate for polycarbonate is recommended to be done in increments of 600-800 mm. The crate (wooden or metal) is mounted on rafters, which can be straight or arched. Usually the gap between the rafters for polycarbonate is from 1500 to 2300 mm. In order to correctly calculate at what distance it is better to bleed the rafters, it is necessary to take into account the glazing area, the dimensions and thickness of the sheets, and take into account that polycarbonate is attached with gaps for thermal expansion.

    The distance between the rafters of a gable and single-pitched roof


    Find out what distance between the rafters you need to make for a gable and shed roof. The maximum distance between the rafters for metal tiles, ondulin and soft roofing.

    The distance between the rafters: principles and examples of calculating the pitch of the truss system

    The task of correctly calculating the distance between the rafters is very responsible. Not only the reliability and durability of the roof, but also all subsequent work on it will depend on how seriously you begin to solve it: laying insulation, installing roofing, installing additional elements. If you manipulate the step of the rafters under the roof sheets, as many do, then it is not a fact that a heater will then enter between the rafters. If you focus only on insulation, the very first winter with its abundant Russian snow will crush the truss system. That is why the whole point is to choose the optimal rafter pitch for all slopes, and now we will teach you this skill.

    What determines the pitch of the rafters?

    So, the distance between the rafters is determined by such important factors:

    1. The shape of the roof (gable, single-pitched or multi-pitched).
    2. Roof angle.
    3. The parameters of the timber that is used for the manufacture of rafters (width, thickness).
    4. The design of the truss system (layered, hanging or sliding).
    5. The totality of all loads on the roof (covering weight, atmospheric phenomena, etc.).
    6. Lathing material (20x100 or 50x50) and its parameters (solid, with gaps of 10 cm, 20 cm or solid plywood)

    And each of these parameters must be taken into account, which is exactly what this article is about.

    Decorative rafters: 0% load

    First of all, decide on the most important point: the type of roof and its purpose. The fact is that the roof of a residential building in winter can withstand a large cap of snow, a constant wind at a height and it is often insulated from the inside, but completely different requirements are imposed on the rafter system of a small gazebo hidden under the crowns of trees.

    For example, if you are building a pergola in its classical sense, then it does not matter at all what exactly the distance between the rafters will be - this is already a purely aesthetic factor:

    In the above illustration, it can be seen that even in such a building there is a step of rafters. After all, here it provides both an aesthetic factor and the rigidity of the structure itself. But the step is chosen arbitrarily.

    Functional rafters: detailed calculation

    We approach the main question: what distance should be between the roof rafters of a residential building? Here, be patient and carefully study all the nuances.

    Item 1. Wall length and rafter spacing

    First of all, the step of installing rafters on the roof of a residential building is usually chosen structurally according to the size of the building, although taking into account many other factors.

    For example, it is easiest to install rafters in increments of 1 meter, so for a wall 6 meters long, 7 rafters are installed as standard. At the same time, you can save money by placing them with a distance of 1 and 2 meters, and you get exactly 5 rafters. It can also be placed with a distance of 2 and 3 meters, but reinforced with a crate. But it is highly undesirable to make a step of rafters more than 2 meters.

    Item 2. Influence of snow and wind loads on the shape of the roof

    So, we settled on the fact that the average distance between the rafters of an ordinary roof is 1 meter. But, if there is a significant snow or wind load in the area, or the roof is more or less flat or simply heavy (for example, covered with clay tiles), then this distance must be reduced to 60-80 cm. But on a roof with a slope of more than 45 degrees, it can be even zoom to a distance of 1.2m-1.4m.

    Why is it so important? Let's figure it out. The fact is that the air flow collides on its way with the wall under the roof of the building, and turbulence occurs there, after which the wind hits the eaves of the roof. It turns out that the wind flow, as it were, goes around the slope of the roof, but at the same time trying to raise it. And in the roof at this moment there are forces that are ready to rip or overturn it - these are two windward sides and one lifting.

    There is another force that arises from wind pressure and acts perpendicular to the slope, trying to push the roof slope inwards. And the greater the angle of inclination of the roof slope, the more important are the safe wind forces and the less tangential. And the larger the angle of the slope, the less often you need to put rafters.

    To understand whether you should make a high roof or a flat one, this map of the average wind load will help:

    The second point: in the Russian region, such an atmospheric phenomenon as snow constantly affects the standard roof of a house. And here, too, you need to consider that the snow bag usually accumulates more on one side of the roof than on the other.

    That is why in such places where such a bag is possible, it is necessary to insert paired rafter legs or make a continuous crate. The easiest way to determine such places is by the wind rose: single rafters are placed on the windward side, and paired rafters on the leeward side.

    If you are building a house for the first time, then you will not find your own worldview, but determine the average snow load for your area according to official data:

    Point 3. The issue of insulation and the standard width of mats

    If you will insulate the roof, then it is advisable to set the pitch of the rafters under the standard dimensions of the insulation boards, which are 60, 80 cm and 120 cm.

    Modern heaters today are sold in standard widths, usually at the same standard rafter spacing. If you then take them and adjust them to existing parameters, then there will be a lot of waste, cracks, cold bridges and other problems.

    Point 4. The quality and strength of the lumber used

    Of great importance is also what kind of material you use to build the truss system. So, for each type of wood there is its own regulatory documentation, which concerns its bearing capacity:

    Because for the manufacture of the roof truss system in Russia, pine and spruce are most often used, their bending strength and features of use have long been prescribed. If you use wood of other species, then you can display the correction factor.

    In addition, if there are sections, cuts or bolt holes on the rafter, in this place it is necessary to calculate the bearing capacity of the bar with a factor of 0.80.

    Item 5. Distance between puffs and floor beams

    One more thing: if the roof is built with interconnected roof trusses, and their lower belt is used simultaneously as floor beams, then the distance between the trusses must be made within 60-75 cm to take into account the design of the future floor.

    Item 6. Loads on truss nodes

    So, here are the main loads that act on the roof truss system:

    1. Static, which includes the weight of the rafter system itself, the weight of the roof, snow lying on the roof and additional elements.
    2. Dynamic, which includes wind force, unexpected damage to the roof, the weight of a person and equipment for repairs, and similar factors.

    And all these factors are able at a certain moment to act on the roof at the same time, and therefore there is such a thing as a critical value. This is exactly the value of the loads at which the roof does not withstand and deforms.

    Therefore, if the building is being built with significant spans, then steel truss trusses are necessarily used. The fact is that there is no tension in such rods, and the entire load falls on the nodes - here they are affected by compressive and tensile forces. And the distance between such farms is calculated depending on the type of roof and the design of the roof itself.

    Usually, a unified truss is placed with a span that is a multiple of six, and therefore a distance is made between the truss nodes that is a multiple of one and a half meters.

    Item 7. Weight of the rafter system and roofing cake

    Do not forget that the main purpose of the rafters is to hold the entire roof on itself, and its weight is crucial:

    Point 8. Ease of installation of roofing

    The distance between the rafters is also influenced by such a factor as the selected roofing. The higher the slope of the roof, the more roofing materials will be used. And the heavier they are, the more often you will have to put rafters under them. But what about a full slab? The fact of the matter is that it also has its own weight:

    Each type of roof has its own optimal rafter pitch. After all, many standard sheets at the edges need to be fixed directly to the rafter or crate, and it is important that they match. Otherwise, roofing work will easily turn into a living hell at a height, believe me.

    That is why, even before starting installation, it is necessary to make a layout, check everything several times. And to know some important subtleties for each type of coating.

    Determining the totality of loads on the roof as a whole and the rafters separately

    So, we have determined that, in addition to other design factors, a whole set of loads simultaneously acts on the roof truss system: the weight of the truss system, a snow cap, wind pressure. After you add all the loads together, be sure to multiply them by a factor of 1.1. So you all count on unexpected favorable conditions, that is, lay an additional 10% percent strength.

    And now you just have to divide the total load by the planned number of rafters and see if each of them will cope with its task. If it seems that the design will be frail - feel free to add 1-2 rafters to the total, and you will be calm for your home.

    You need to make a calculation for destruction, i.e. to the full load that acts on the roof. All these loads are determined by the technical characteristics of materials and SNiPs.

    The standard roof structure is rafters, lattice runs, and each of these elements works only on the load that puts pressure on it, and not on the overall roof as a whole. Those. each individual rafter has its own load, total, but divided by the number of rafter legs, and by changing the step of their location, you change the load collection area on the rafters - reducing it or increasing it. And, if it is inconvenient for you to change the pitch of the rafters, then work with the parameters of the section of the rafter legs, and the total load-bearing capacity of the roof will increase significantly:

    In this calculation, try to ensure that the longest rafter in your project is no more than six and a half meters, otherwise, splice along the length. Now let's explain in more detail. So, on roofs with a slope of up to 30 degrees, the rafters are the so-called "bendable elements". Those. they work specifically for bending, and there are certain requirements for them. And the possibility of deflection of the rafters is calculated according to a special formula, and if the result exceeds the norm, then the rafters are increased in height and a new calculation is made again.

    But on the roof with a warehouse slope of more than 30 degrees, which rafters are already considered “bendable-compressed” elements. That is, they are affected not only by a uniformly distributed load, which causes the rafters to bend, but also by forces that are already acting along the axis of the rafter. In simple terms, here the rafters not only bend a little under the weight of the roof, but are also squeezed from the ridge to the Mauerlat. In addition, the crossbar, which usually holds back two rafter legs, must also be checked for tension.

    As you can see, even a person who is far from construction can cope with such calculations. The main thing is to take everything into account, be attentive and ready to spend a little more time on design, so that later all the work goes like clockwork!

    The distance between the rafters: what step should be between the rafters


    Detailed instructions on how to correctly calculate the distance between the roof rafters of different structures, taking into account the amount of loads and the material used.