Rafter Ties vs Collar Ties | What Every Builder Must Know

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Understanding the role of rafter ties and collar ties is essential for anyone working with conventional roof framing. These components are critical to maintaining the structural integrity of a roof and ensuring that loads are transferred safely down to the supporting walls and foundation. This video unpacks their purpose, how the International Residential Code (IRC) addresses them, and why they are necessary in maintaining a complete and dependable load path.

We look at how rafter ties prevent outward thrust at the top plates, the code requirements that govern their placement, and how they relate to ceiling joists. We also discuss collar ties, their role in resisting uplift near the ridge, and when alternatives such as ridge straps may be permitted by code. Together, these framing elements create balance in the roof structure and ensure long-term stability.

Whether you are a builder, designer, or student of structural engineering, this video will give you a solid foundation for understanding these often-misunderstood members of the roof framework.

🔑 Questions this video answers:

1. What is the difference between rafter ties and collar ties?
2. Do I need rafter ties in my roof framing?
3. Are collar ties required by code?
4. What are IRC requirements for rafter ties and collar ties?
5. Explain rafter ties per IRC Section R802.5.2.2.
6. Explain collar ties per IRC Section R802.4.6.
7. Explain roof framing load path in conventional framing per IRC Chapter 8.
8. Explain how to prevent roof rafters from spreading at the top plates in gable roofs.
9. Are ridge straps an alternative to collar ties, or are they always required?
10. How high can rafter ties or ceiling joists be raised in the attic according to IRC tables?
11. What is the difference between HR (height of ridge) and HC (height of ceiling/rafter ties) in code tables?
12. How do rafter ties and collar ties work together to create a complete load path?

By the end of this video, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these code requirements fit into conventional framing — and how to apply them correctly in practice.