Porch Rafters to Ledger – On top or Face-Attached
daen
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I am in the planning stages of a porch with a shed roof.
At the house wall I have the option of locating the ledger so that the rafters can either rest on top of or attach to the face of the ledger.
The beams and rafters will be exposed and rough timber for a SW / Arizona rustic look. One aesthetic consideration: the galvanized framing connectors would be visible if face attached.
Discussion on why one method might be preferred over the other are appreciated. And any thoughts on visually minimizing the framing connectors with stained wood.
Thanks,
DC
Replies
Transferring the load straight down is always better than holding it in shear. Put them on top of the ledger.
I would still use some kind of clip to maintain the lateral position on top of the ledger and provide uplift protection.What is the wall material?
Ledger Attached to ICF
Greg,
Thanks for the input. The ledger will be attached to an ICF wall (Rastra) by means of 3/4" anchor bolts cast into the wall grout. I am about ready to pour the grout so need to make the decision on what height to place those anchor bolts for the ledger.
With the rafters on top, I would attach with appropriate hardware / brackets for uplift and then infill between rafters with short lengths of ledger material for both aesthetic reasons (looks and to hide the hardware) AND to eliminate a potential bird roosting ledge.
You may want to consider concealed flange hangers. Here's an example of where we used them for an exposed framing and finish (cedar) porch.
DC,
I would do a haunched tenon fit into a mortise. Lag screw from top. Not hard to do and looks great.
KK
It may be a nice detail and was surely done in many cases in the past. However, you won't find allowances for that detail in today's prescriptive IRC. LIkely you will need a professional engineer to design and seal a timber frame connection for inspection purposes.
what size timbers are you using?
i would use something along these lines vs a 2x concealed hanger or anything along those lines.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/cjt_apg.asp