Strengthen rafter tie splice

[fairway605]

Looking for ideas to strengthen my rafter tie splices before insulating and finishing ceiling. No load other than finishing materials. Thanks


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[The Cobbler]

longer 2x4 scabbed on.
or
3/4 plywood scabbed on

 

[ddawg16]

rule of thumb is 4' in either dir.

And plywood is a good choice....it does well in that kind of use.

I would glue....attach with #10 screws and run a couple of 1/4" bolts thru each side. That ***** won't go anywhere.

Truth is....what you have is not bad....chances are it will last.....but, if you want to really make sure....do the above.

 

[TRWham]

Slap some Simpson strap ties of your choice on there and sleep well at night.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Like the others have said, I'd at least glue and screw another piece on the other side.

 

[mike93lx]

the problem with adding wood on the other side are the 1x4's running up to the ridge.

if there was cause for concern, I'd probably nail a small block on the opposite side, then remove the existing and replace with a longer piece. you could probably reuse the existing, or just cut 2' off a 2x8 for the opposite side and then use the 6' remainder for the existing side.

I would consider the existing nailing inadequate, but that's just a gut feeling. Someone here can probably quote the proper pattern, but I'd use more.

 

[ItsNemo]

Throw a chunk of angle iron over the top of it, drill a few holes and bolt through?

 

[matt_i]

Lift the 1x4 vertical slightly and slip Simpson CS-16 flat strapping underneath, use a couple parallel strands, lots of nails.

Or use additional 2X timber adhered with Loctite PL 8X construction adhesive, use Timberlok or GRK-RSS fasteners which penetrate all the way thru to far splice timber.

 

[Kev442]

I was told by someone smarter than me that I should use 5/8ths plywood with adhesive and twist nails. The problem is that is supposed to be done from both sides.

 

[pbon]

No big deal to pull the 1x4 and space them out so you can put plywood on both sides but I would space them at the top as well.

 

[GMCGarage]

Let it go. If nothing else stored up there, whats the issue? Add a few screws to what you have. Mostly in tension correct?

 

[lakeroadster]

Let it go. If nothing else stored up there, whats the issue? Add a few screws to what you have. Mostly in tension correct?

And don't use deck screws, use structural screws.

HeadLOK screws are what you want, they are available at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HeadLOK-2-7-8-in-Heavy-Duty-Flathead-Screw-FMHLGM278-INDY/204307972

 

[mike93lx]

Let it go. If nothing else stored up there, whats the issue? Add a few screws to what you have. Mostly in tension correct?

And don't use deck screws, use structural screws.

HeadLOK screws are what you want, they are available at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HeadLOK-2-7-8-in-Heavy-Duty-Flathead-Screw-FMHLGM278-INDY/204307972

The experts have spoken.

 

[MarlynOC]

You get a lot of snow up there? Maybe metal brace through drilled an bolted.

 

[GMCGarage]

You get a lot of snow up there? Maybe metal brace through drilled an bolted.

The rafter tie should not see snow load on it.

if its the splice OP is worried about, also check connection at the rafters.

Weakest link type stuff.

 

[fairway605]

And don't use deck screws, use structural screws.

HeadLOK screws are what you want, they are available at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HeadLOK-2-7-8-in-Heavy-Duty-Flathead-Screw-FMHLGM278-INDY/204307972

Good to know its stronger than I was thinking, just seemed that the weight of the insulation and drywall will be a lot on that splice. Thanks for the link for the screws .

 

[fairway605]

Let it go. If nothing else stored up there, whats the issue? Add a few screws to what you have. Mostly in tension correct?

Was thinking the weight of the insulation and drywall would be a lot on that splice. Thanks

 

[pcmeiners]

First it was done wrong, secondly it is wrong on multiple consecutive splices. Repair it as recommended to manage the weight. You should use fire rated sheetrock 5/8" type X. Always bugs me why contractor do these things, most know they are doing it incorrectly.

 

[Bretny]

I would glue and screw a piece of 3/4 plywood on if i was worried. You will prob need to move that piece of TandG scrap wood.

 

[firebirdparts]

It appears that they haven't moved since the building was built, FWIW.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Technically, that is NOT a rafter tie. It is just a splice.

IIRC, the old rule of thumb for a splice on a joist is 1/4 - 1/3 of the total length.

 

[rharman]

First it was done wrong, secondly it is wrong on multiple consecutive splices. Repair it as recommended to manage the weight. You should use fire rated sheetrock 5/8" type X. Always bugs me why contractor do these things, most know they are doing it incorrectly.

At least they're offset every other one. That's not saying much tough...