Framing & StructuralQuestion 319 of 700
What is the practical difference between a collar tie and a rafter tie in a gable roof?
a.They are identical terms
b.A collar tie is placed in the upper third to resist ridge separation/uplift, while a rafter tie near the plate resists outward wall thrust
c.A collar tie carries the floor load; a rafter tie carries the ridge
d.Both must be steel
Explanation
A collar tie sits in the upper third of the roof and mainly keeps the rafters from separating at the ridge under wind uplift, while a rafter tie sits low, near the wall plates, and resists the outward horizontal thrust that would push the walls apart. They are not identical, do not carry floor load, and need not be steel.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R802.4Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- Which material is generally ACCEPTABLE as fireblocking in a concealed stud space?
- In a braced wall line, what does the term 'braced wall panel' refer to?
- In conventional roof framing, where should rafter ties (which resist the outward thrust of rafters) generally be located?
- When rafters frame to a non-structural ridge board (not a ridge beam), what is the minimum requirement for that ridge board's depth?
- Why does a structural RIDGE BEAM allow a roof to be built without rafter ties, whereas a simple ridge BOARD does not?
- Collar ties used to resist wind uplift should be spaced no farther apart than what, measured along the ridge?
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