Stockbyte stockbyte getty images when placing rafters for a tin roof also frequently referred to as corrugated metal or steel it is common to set the distance between rafters based on the size of the roofing panels.
Rafter spacing for corrugated roofing.
24 1 2 every 7 ft.
24 1 2 every 6 ft.
Visit the roof framing page for more information on cutting roof rafters and visit the roof pitch calculator for determining rafter lengths based on rise and run.
Rafter spacing depends on the roofing panel size.
Although there is not one standard rafter spacing measurement many builders follow standard increments for simplicity.
For example in the rafter span table below the highlighted cell in the 40 live load table indicates that 2 x 8 southern yellow pine joists that have a grade of 2 that are spaced 24 apart can have a maximum span of 10 feet 3 inches 10 3 if designing for a live load of 40 lbs ft 2.
The support system for the roof is comprised of ridgepole and rafters or purlins.
Maximum rafter spans for a patio roof in areas with mild climates patio roofs are generally designed for loads of 30 psf pounds per square foot.
The typical spacing standards for residential and commercial buildings are about 1 to 2 foot.