Do you need blocking between roof rafters?

Author: Dr. Ursula Thompson  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Where the distance from the top of the braced wall panel to the top of the rafters or roof trusses above is between 91/4 inches (235 mm) and 151/4 inches (387 mm), blocking between rafters or roof trusses shall be provided above the braced wall panel in accordance with Figure R602.

Is blocking between rafters necessary?

And often in a humid environment, installation of these members may be ardently resisted in order to provide ample attic ventilation and prevent mold growth. It is important, however, to understand that this blocking creates the structural boundary members for the roof diaphragm and it is not optional.

Do you need baffles between every rafter?

Each space between the rafters needs a baffle, and you must fit each one snuggly into the bay.

How far apart should blocking be for roof rafters?

Blocking must be equally spaced in rows, maximum of 4 to 6 feet apart. WHY IS BLOCKING NEEDED? Solid wood blocking will help reduce up or down movement and/or twisting of joists.

Do roof joists need blocking?

Rafters and ceiling joists having a depth-to-thickness ratio exceeding 6 to 1 based on nominal dimensions shall be supported laterally by solid blocking, diagonal bridging (wood or metal) or a continuous 1-inch by 3-inch (25 mm by 76 mm) wood strip nailed across the rafters or ceiling joists at intervals not exceeding ...

10_6_20 - rafter blocking

Is blocking between joists necessary?

Essentially, deck blocking, or joist blocking, is a critical STRUCTURAL element of building a deck.

Do roof rafters need bracing?

If the bracing provided is not used entirely, positioned incorrectly or not securely fixed, it can result in a distortion or failure of individual trusses or in a worst case scenario – the whole roof so it's safe to say they're pretty important!

How far can 2x6 rafters span?

“A 2×6 spaced 16 inches apart can span a maximum distance of 13 feet 5 inches when used as a rafter, 10 feet 9 inches when used as a joist, and 6 feet 11 inches when used as a deck beam to support joists with a 6-foot span.”

Do 2x8 joists need blocking?

On BestDeckSite, we recommend installing blocking on 2x8 joists too. Here's a word of caution. As you get on a roll calling out numbers for the guy at the saw while hammering in the preceding block, make sure not to throw off the joist spacing.

How do I know if I need baffles?

Homes with both traditional and vaulted ceilings need attic baffles if they utilize vented roofs, which feature: Closed (or box) eaves, where the rafters are enclosed and vented via soffits. Ridge vents at the apex of the roof, and/or. Gable vents on the flat area between the roofline and the exterior walls.

Should there be insulation between rafters?

In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.

Can you have too many rafter vents?

It is absolutely possible the ventilation system on your roof is excessive. Maybe your home is older and prior ventilation was installed by a homeowner, or incorrect vent sizes were used in an older roof layout. Too much ventilation can negatively influence the attic's and home's insulation as well.

What is the minimum distance between two rafters?

The standard roof rafter is cut from a two-by-ten piece of lumber, but two-by-eights and two-by-twelves are also common, depending on the loads and lengths of the rafters. The space between roof rafters can range from 12 to 24 inches, with 16 inches being the standard.

Do trusses need ridge blocking?

Be sure to attach a ridge block to each truss at its apex; this transfers the load properly and does not put undue stress on any individual truss. Use only approved fastening devices.

What goes between rafters?

Outrigger. An outrigger is sometimes called a "lookout". These are pieces of wood installed perpendicularly across rafters, from the common rafters in past one roof rafter and secured into the next.

What is the code for rafter spacing?

What Is The Standard Roof Rafter Spacing? The standard roof rafter spacings measured on-center are 12″, 16″, 19.2″, and 24″. The International Residential Building Code (IRC), which is the basis of most North America's building coide, identifies these standard industry measurements.

How far can a 2x6 span without sag?

For example, a 2x6 joist would have a 12-foot, 6-inch maximum span, and a 2x10 joist would have a 21-foot maximum span. Additionally, wood species and grading determines how far apart floor joists can be spaced. Harder woods can be spaced farther apart, and can be cut into larger joists.

How far can a 2x8 rafter span without support?

A #1 grade of Southern yellow pine (SYP) 2×8 roof rafter can span a maximum of 16'- 6” far apart at 16” OC. For the same size rafter, grade and spacing, SPF can allow to maximum span of 15'-1".

Does roof sheathing need blocking?

Most codes specify that all edges of each panel of sheathing should land on solid blocking. This makes the structure much stronger.

Where do you place joist blocking?

Most lumber manufacturers recommend that the blocking between the floor joists be placed every 2 feet. For example, if your deck has 8-foot-long joists, you will want to add a piece of blocking every 2 feet: at 6 feet and 10 feet. These standards ensure your floor joist blocking is safe and up to every standard.

Can you join roof rafters?

Often in larger structures and barns you may need to split your rafters in two due to the overall length of the building. To accomplish this and create a strong member you can use a rafter scarf joint; in this case we used an under squinted scarf joint held together with long structural screws.

Do I need blocking between rafters?

Where the distance from the top of the braced wall panel to the top of the rafters or roof trusses above is between 91/4 inches (235 mm) and 151/4 inches (387 mm), blocking between rafters or roof trusses shall be provided above the braced wall panel in accordance with Figure R602.

Do roof rafters need Birdsmouth?

If you don't cut the birds mouth, there is a point load at the outer edge of the beam or top plates instead of being spread across the surface. if the rafter is cut properly, it is well supported. A low slope of 1/2 in 12 would not get a birds mouth.

What do roof rafters sit on?

The rafters sit on a wall plate which is an efficient means of spreading the load exerted by the roof structure down through the walls without creating pressure points where each rafter meets the wall.

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