Pitched Roof Rafter Spacing

For example in the rafter span table below the highlighted cell in the 40 live load table indicates that 2 x 8 southern yellow pine joists that have a grade of 2 that are spaced 24 apart can have a maximum span of 10 feet 3 inches 10 3 if designing for a live load of 40 lbs ft 2.

Pitched roof rafter spacing.

If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center. Maximum rafter spans for a patio roof in areas with mild climates patio roofs are generally designed for loads of 30 psf pounds per square foot. If your local building authority has a rafter spacing code you may not space rafters wider than required by code. For pitched roofs flat roofs and ceiling joists.

Typical rafter spacing codes will specify a minimum spacing of 16 inches 19 2 inches or 24 inches. Common spacing for trusses on this type of building is often between 2 and 4 feet but trusses built with advanced designs may allow spacing as great as 8 or 12 feet. Rafters must be strong enough to hold the roof sheathing and the shingles. 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.

An essential part of planning a patio roof or gazebo project is determining the number size and spacing of rafters beams and posts according to the loads they will carry. The same concept holds true for roof trusses. So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span.