collar ties

[rakuz66]

Should collar ties be placed on both sides of the rafters or just one side? Is there a benefit to placing them on both sides? What about gusset plates? Which is stronger? I need too create a strong roof without a structural ridge beam or ceiling joists. The roof area is small15(L to R)x20(W), 50 psi load. Currently, I have 2x8 rafters which meet at the ridge, as I stated, no ridge beam. Also, there is a porch area with dormer that meets the roof and outside wall that takes up 8 ft of the 15 ft leaving 7ft of wall exposed. Does this help lessen the push on the outside wall from roof load? Thanks for any advise.

[Don_P]

R802.3.1
Where ceiling joists or rafter ties are not provided at the top plate, the ridge formed by these rafters shall also be supported by a girder designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Rafter ties shall be placed at not more than 4' on center.

The only advise I can give is to tie them, beam it, or call an engineer.

[rakuz66]

Hey Don, will a flitch plate placed in between sandwiched center rafters work as a ridge beam?

[Don_P]

Yes, that would probably work. LVL's would probably be cheaper and easier to deal with.

You might also drop underneath the existing ridge with a finish grade glue lam beam.