Why? wrote:
On 18 Aug, 14:05, The Natural Philosopher
wrote:
dennis@home wrote:

"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...
Don't assume. Rafters are largely in compression.
If rafters are in compression what keeps the walls from spreading out?
Joists?

Perhpas one of us is using the wrong term..the joists are horiozontal
tension members and the rafters are the slopey bits?



Tie beams! (aka ceiling joists often - which is why if there is a
joint in the middle over a partition it needs nailing or strapping and
why it is important to tie into the wall plate_
chris
Ok. ill settle for tie beams!