Identify Roof Frame And Bearing

Due to the triangular shape of all but flat roofs the rafters or joists will run perpendicular.

Identify roof frame and bearing. Now look at the same picture below with the roof framing shown. In addition note the position of the ridge or peak of the roof. For example a gable end truss may be designed with support members that transmit the roof weight load outward to the side walls allowing the end wall directly below it to have breaks or openings in it that would otherwise be impossible. Look inside the attic if possible to identify the direction in which the rafters or joists travel.

Load bearing walls inside the building typically run parallel to the ridge. Go into the basement or the lowest level of a building to identify interior load bearing walls. Side walls are primary load bearing walls in simple gable end framing but hip roofs and complex roof lines depend on more than just the side walls. 2 locate the floor joists that run across the.

Look for beams or columns often made out of metal running from one side of the room to the other. There may be other load bearing walls that are not so obvious to the layman which is why an on site assessment by a building professional is crucial.