# Structural components in attic

**URL:** <https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959>\
**Category:** Structural Inspections\
**Created:** [February 11, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959 "2026-02-11T17:54:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 2

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959/21 "2026-02-12T15:55:32Z")

</div>

> [@jkeresztury](#):
>
> Robert, _I am talking about a ridge board_. I’m referring to depth, not thickness.

Sorry, Joseph. Misread your post. I concur.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msimmons16](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/msimmons16/32/376768_2.png) [@msimmons16](https://forum.nachi.org/u/msimmons16)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 4:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959/22 "2026-02-12T16:22:21Z")

</div>

I did review the JWK Inspections site. I understand the rationale for use of collar ties (uplift prevention), but within the website, I cannot find specific indications for the use of collar ties. My coursework explains that this may a jurisdiction specific requirement. Do you know if that is still the case? Could you guide me towards code or specific guidelines for their use, i.e. if rafters span this distance they are indicated?

Thanks once again for helping out a novice, future inspector.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rkenney](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rkenney/32/405447_2.png) [@rkenney](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rkenney)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959/23 "2026-02-12T16:41:47Z")

</div>

Here is the applicable code in the 2021 IRC:

**R802.4.6 Collar ties.** Where collar ties are used to  
connect opposing rafters, they shall be located in the  
upper third of the attic space and fastened in accordance  
with Table R602.3(1). Collar ties shall be not less than 1  
inch by 4 inches (25 mm × 102 mm) nominal, spaced not  
more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. **Ridge straps shall**  
**be permitted to replace collar ties.** Ridge straps shall be  
not less than 11/4-inch (32 mm) × 20 gage and shall be  
nailed to the top edge of each rafter with not fewer than  
three 10d common (3″ × 0.148″) nails with the closest  
nail not closer than 23/8 inches (60.3 mm) from the end of  
the rafter.

Bear in mind that we are not code inspectors. You should never mention code in your report. In addition you need to consider what codes were implemented in the specific jurisdiction you are inspecting and what code amendments were made by that locality. In short you will never know whether they were required or not.

Generally I look at the present installation and if collar ties are present they are installed properly. If not, is there any indication (rafter / ridge separation) that the current structure would benefit from collar ties.

Most new construction will be trusses so none of this applies.

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/3/a/a/3aa871a64fb897bf195f6a80896d747f0917f429.png)

If ridge straps were used you may not be able to see them with the roof installed on top.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![msimmons16](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/msimmons16/32/376768_2.png) [@msimmons16](https://forum.nachi.org/u/msimmons16)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959/24 "2026-02-14T15:22:51Z")

</div>

Bob, thank you. Great explanation and thanks for sharing pic of ridge straps!

Mikah

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rmayo](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmayo/32/59218_2.png) [@rmayo](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmayo)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2026, 5:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959/25 "2026-03-22T17:18:11Z")

</div>

The split in the wood is the result of shooting nails into the lumber too close to the end. There is no way of determining the need for these braces or their load carrying capacity by visual inspection. Unless you see roof deflection or these braces were bowing I would not comment on them.

[Previous page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/structural-components-in-attic/264959.md?page=1)