what size to use? 6" or 8"

[rickyrj1]

I am replacing 15' of roof rafters and ridge. Should I upgrade to 2x8's or stay with the 2x6's? In time the whole roof will have to be redone/replaced. The shop is 25' wide and the roof pitch is 8/12. Thanks in advance

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

8" is better than 6", or at least, that's what my ex said on her way out the door.

 

[jrsulo]

8" is better than 6", or at least, that's what my ex said on her way out the door.

 

[Steevo]

Size matters.

 

[Gary S]

Why are you replacing? Is there a problem? Is there a structural problem? The answers to those questions should tell you what you need to do.

 

[bad_idea]

I'm happy with my 8". Wouldn't consider 6". Wait.... never mind.

 

[bobcat]

How about 1 " ? But then , I measure from the ground up .... doesn`t everyone else ?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd be using a 2x8 on the 2x6.

 

[rickyrj1]

Why are you replacing? Is there a problem? Is there a structural problem? The answers to those questions should tell you what you need to do.

The roof is way past its prime & the current 2x6's are 2.5'oc with only 3 collar ties for the entire 25' run. I want to do a total new roof so I have no issues when I finish the inside. The current building was put up by shoemakers back in the 50's. Its lasted this long but I want to update it since I'm doing all the other contruction to it.

 

[70redbee]

Why not use 2x6 and put all your rafters on 16" centers. With an 8/12 pitch, you will have very little snow load.

 

[rickyrj1]

Why not use 2x6 and put all your rafters on 16" centers. With an 8/12 pitch, you will have very little snow load.

yes that was my intention going with 16"oc and collar ties

 

[Gary S]

The roof is way past its prime & the current 2x6's are 2.5'oc with only 3 collar ties for the entire 25' run. I want to do a total new roof so I have no issues when I finish the inside. The current building was put up by shoemakers back in the 50's. Its lasted this long but I want to update it since I'm doing all the other contruction to it.

If I were doing a roof entirely over, I'd replace the rafters with engineered trusses. If it had been done that way the first time 60 years ago, you wouldn't be redoing it now. Do it right and you only have to do it once.

 

[BD1]

If I were doing a roof entirely over, I'd replace the rafters with engineered trusses. If it had been done that way the first time 60 years ago, you wouldn't be redoing it now. Do it right and you only have to do it once.

Get a price on the trusses. They might be cheaper then you think.