I'm working on finishing my attic and I'm thinking about removing two out of every three collar ties. My house is over 100 years old, with a 12/12 pitched roof and 2x6 rafters spaced 16 inches on center. The current setup has collar ties for each rafter, which aligns with the building code that specifies a 2x4 collar tie every 4 feet. I don't have rafter ties because the roof is just secured to the floor. Would removing these collar ties be a bad idea? I'm in a snowy climate, and I'm worried about structural integrity.
2 Answers
It's tough to see how removing collar ties would actually enhance your attic space when you've already got 15 feet of clearance! If you decide to go through with it, consider using L-shaped gussets where you take out the ties. And if you have a ridge board, try repositioning the ties as high as possible. Just keep in mind that your rafters might already be undersized for the kind of loads they need to bear.
Honestly, you should really consult with a qualified engineer before making any changes. Just because it meets building code doesn’t mean it’s safe, especially for a house that's over a century old. Removing those collar ties could affect the overall structural integrity of your roof, particularly in heavy snow or strong winds.