Blocking Between Roof Rafters

Each block is 2x4 or 2x6 depending on the size of the rafters and is secured to the top plate.

Blocking between roof rafters.

That blocking is then nailed to the wall top plate with three 8d nails per rafter space as prescribed in irc table 602 3 1. This load path is shown in figure 6 4. Some may call these wood members blocking and deem them as optional. Rotation loads on rafters occur when the roof sheathing is resisting lateral loads perpendicular to the rafter because these loads are actually trying to move the top edge of the rafter sideways.

Rafter blocking is an essential part of the roof framing process in that the blocks provide a stop for ceiling insulation and a continuous surface for the roof sheathing to be edge nailed to. Preventing rotation is typically accomplished by installing full depth blocking along wall plates between rafters and ceiling joists. In my experience traveling across the country observing wood framed construction it was apparent that east of the rocky mountains structural wood members in line with supporting walls between roof framing cease to be installed. Blocking or boundary member.

Inches 387 mm or less blocking between rafters or roof trusses shall be provided above the braced wall panel in accordance with figure r602 10 8 2 1. These connections could allow a greater uplift force to be resisted. The blocking panels will provide additional connections between the roof trusses and the top plate of the wall. The most direct load path is for the roof sheathing to be edge nailed to blocking between each rafter.