In my double hipped roof there was a timber nailed at an angle between two of the centre rafters. It was in the way when I came to fit a loft ladder so I removed it! I assumed it was there just to hold them in position when the timbers were being installed when the house was being built..Sorry I cannot elaborate with pictures, but do you think this could be likely? It wasn't nailed particularly well
Rafters
Jun 08, 2021
Last reply: 5 years ago
8 Replies
Very likeley if it was of suitably light/poor grade
Diagonal bracing (or lack of) is something that surveyors always look for, even if the property has roof trusses and the gable-ends are brick and block right up to the apex providing plenty of lateral restraint.
I thought diagonal rafter bracing was permanent, not temporary during install?
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Can be either depending on what else is stopping the roof collapsing sideways - typically hipped ends or a nice sold gable
Easy enough to put some bracing back if its felt to be necessary
When we bought our '70s detached house 12 years ago our surveyor noted that the rafters were not diagonally braced and recommended that we should have it put in (done).
+1. It's a standard comment, mainly to cover themselves.
It is hipped at each end.The ridge is only about 8feet long so it is almost a "pyramid".
I doubt its structural in that case then. If idt was supposed to be then its hard luck! Brian
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