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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    McAllen, Texas
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    34

    Default Proper support for Tile roof question..

    I did an inspection today on a new construction and noticed that the support for the clay tile roof (2x8 rafters) were 2x4's . I don't think that would be acceptable and wanted to make sure that I wrote it up properly..

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    Richard Flores
    Professional Inspector TREC # 8139
    www.premier-rgv.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    What "support" are you talking about?

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    McAllen, Texas
    Posts
    34

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    Support for roof rafters in the attic

    Richard Flores
    Professional Inspector TREC # 8139
    www.premier-rgv.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    2,365

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    The picture doesn't show enough to make the call. From what's pictured, the 2X4s aren't supporting the roof. They may be a mid-span support for the rafters or could just be leftover bracing from time of construction.

    It's really a design question that we'd need a lot more information for to give an answer.... also goes way beyond a standard home inspection.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    Purlins must be the same size (or greater) than the rafters that they support.

    However, if the rafters are properly sized to span unsupported, the purlins may not be necessary.

    I am not able to copy and paste the actual wording, but the section is:
    IRC 802.5.1


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  6. #6
    Phillip Smith's Avatar
    Phillip Smith Guest

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    You would have to check the span of the rafters. If the span calls for a 2 x 4 and some one installs a larger rafter then a 2 x 4 purling is right. I have wrote it up wrong before and the builder showed me where I was wrong.

    R802.5.1 Purlins.
    Installation of purlins to reduce the span of rafters is permitted as shown in Figure R802.5.1. Purlins shall be sized no less than the required size of the rafters that they support. Purlins shall be continuous and shall be supported by 2-inch by 4-inch (51 mm by 102 mm) braces installed to bearing walls at a slope not less than 45 degrees from the horizontal. The braces shall be spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center and the unbraced length of braces shall not exceed 8 feet (2438 mm).


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Western Massachusetts
    Posts
    536

    Default Re: Proper support for Tile roof question..

    Roofs can be built to code (i.e. the purlins should be 2x8 to match the rafter size) or they can be built to engineered specs. R802.5.1 is controlling if the installation of the purlins is to reduce rafter span. If it is just to reduce deflection (e.g. making what would otherwise be an L240 span an L360) or as a temporary brace that wasn't removed then it's probably not a reason for concern.

    I would make a note that the roof rafters appear to have undersized purlins and that the installation should be verified that it matches the engineered design. No engineered design? Then the roof installation should be verified that it is adequate to support the load - have them get a stamp from an engineer saying the design is kosher since it's not "built to code."


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