Ledger Board For Roof Rafters

As roof pitch is lowered the weight burden on the rafters increases.

Ledger board for roof rafters. For low pitch roofs building codes may require larger dimension rafters. Structures such as sheds or barns can be frames with rafters every 24 again make sure to consult local codes. Determine how high it must be to provide an adequate slope to the roof. Rafter span tables use these tables to determine lengths sizes and spacing of rafters based on a variety of factors such as species load grade spacing and pitch.

Rafters are placed on 24 centers and attached to the beams and settle joists are attached as needed image 1. The opposite side of the porch roof will be supported by a header beam that is installed parallel to the house on top of 6x6 support posts. Attach the rafters to the ledger boards and settle joists. The ledger typically a 2 by 6 is usually designed to hold one end of the patio roof rafters.

Place the rafters on 24 centers attach them to the settle joists and beams toward the center. Make it the full width of the porch or slightly wider depending on your porch design. The ledger should be attached before the foundation is built for a deck patio roof posts and other structure. Locate a position for a header or ledger board.

Visit the roof framing page for more information on cutting roof rafters and visit the roof pitch calculator for determining rafter lengths based on rise and run. Find the wall studs or roof trusses that will have to support the ledger. If you are tying the roof directly to a house wall you can install a ledger board with flashing and install rafter ties to attach the rafters at the appropriate angles or use engineered trusses. If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center.

Locating and mounting the ledger is normally a fairly easy process. I cut rafters out of 2x8s frame this pole barn lean to. Attach the rafters to the house with joist hangers which supported by ledger boards. Make sure to check the vertical beam to ensure that the end rafters are placed securely.

It is always better to have a large rafter rather than be concerned with a sagging roof. For instance if your roof has a steep pitch you may be able to use 2 inch by 4 inch rafters but if your roof has a low pitch building code may require that you used 2 inch by 6 inch or 2 inch by 8.