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Description Of Rafter
Rafter is an important part of pre-engineered buildings. It is a sloping structural member made of steel that extends from the ridge or hip to the wall plate or eave. Its main purpose is to support the weight of roof shingles, roof deck, and any other loads that may fall on the roof.
In a typical house construction, rafters are made of wood. But in industrial projects rafters are made of steel. They are cut to specific sizes and angles to fit the roof design.
Exposed rafters can be seen in some traditional roof styles. This means that the rafters are visible from inside the building, which can add a unique architectural feature to the space.
It is important to make sure that the rafters are strong enough to support the weight of the roof and any other loads that may be placed on it. A professional contractor or engineer should always be consulted when designing or building a roof to ensure that it is safe and structurally sound.
Purpose Of Rafter
- It makes construction easier.
- It spreads the weight of the roof evenly.
- It works well for shorter distances.
- It saves money.
Types Of Rafters
Normally, two types of rafters are used. They are:
- Steel Rafter
- Wooden Rafter
Let us know about these two types of rafters.
1. Steel Rafter
A steel rafter is a structural member that is made from steel sections that are designed to withstand heavy loads and resist bending, twisting, and buckling.
Steel rafters are often used in commercial and industrial buildings where large spans are required. They are also used in residential construction for large, open-concept homes or for buildings with unique architectural designs that require a non-traditional roof structure.
Steel rafters can be designed and fabricated to meet specific project requirements, including the size and shape of the roof, the weight of the roofing material, and the load-bearing capacity of the building’s walls and foundation. They are typically installed by a team of skilled professionals who have experience working with steel structures.
Steel rafters offer a number of advantages over traditional wooden rafters, including their strength, durability, and resistance to fire and pests.
Steel rafters are more expensive than wooden rafters, but they can be a cost-effective solution for large, complex building projects where their unique structural properties are needed.
2. Wooden Rafter
A wooden rafter is a structural element made of wood that helps support a roof in a building. The rafter is usually positioned in a triangular shape, with two sides forming the roof and the third side being the wooden rafter itself.
This triangular shape makes the wooden rafter strong and resistant to collapse under the weight of the roof. The shape and size of the wooden rafter can vary depending on the size and design of the building and roof.
Nowadays, wooden rafters are rarely used. Steel sections are used in commercial buildings. In countries like Japan where there are wooden houses, wooden rafters are used.