Do You Need Collar Ties on Every Rafter

Collar ties are probably not needed if approved metal connectors were used to fasten the rafters to the ridge. Where they are required, they should be installed on every other rafter where rafters are on 24-inch centers. Collar ties, contrary to popular belief, do not prevent walls from spreading.

How many rafter ties do I need?

Rafter ties amount to an additional framing member that runs above the ceiling joists and that connects opposing rafters. They are generally required every 4 ft., which means that you need a rafter tie only for every other pair of 24-in. o. c. rafters or for every third pair of 16-in.

Where are collar ties required?

When it comes to collar tie placement, the code specifies that collar ties are to be located in the upper one-third area of the attic space up near the ridge and shall not be spaced more than 4 feet on center.