How often are collar ties required to be installed?

Collar ties are an important structural element in residential roofing systems, particularly in the construction of roof framing. They are installed in the upper part of the roof structure, typically in the space between the rafters, to help resist downward forces on the roof as well as prevent the rafters from spreading under load.

In most building codes, the requirement for collar ties is specified to be installed at a maximum spacing of 4 feet apart. This spacing helps ensure that the collar ties can effectively counteract the forces acting on the rafters, thus maintaining the integrity of the roof structure. By keeping them at this distance, the chances of roof system failure due to overload or deformation are minimized.

This spacing requirement may vary based on the local building codes and specific roof design, but the standard practice across many codes aligns with the need to use collar ties effectively to maintain the stability of the framework over long spans. A requirement for spacing greater than 4 feet might compromise the effectiveness of the collar ties in providing the necessary support and bracing.