I have just noticed one of my roof perlins seem to be in 2 sections. does anyone know if this is a concern ? The line looks too clean to be a break and a nail has been put through it to hold it together. Can i leave this or will it need additional support ?
Roof Perlin Question
- Thread starter Ron dms
- Start date
That's strange - the vertical saw marks, across each section of the beam, line up perfectly - as if it was one single beam, cut across at 45 degrees. I would guess it was cut, to enable it to be manoeuvred into place.
They are not uncommon. The left hand purlin is overhanging its support and in turn supporting the shorter right hand purlin. If it’s not causing problems after many years in situ I would be tempted to leave it, and keep under review. You could sandwich both sides with ply and screw through
Its just a type of scarf joint, probably used because they didn't have a piece of timber long enough.
I'd be surprised if the only reason they cut it was because they weren't man enough to lift it in place.
It's not a scarf joint, and it's not even a joint! It's just two timbers butted together with no structural strength
Correct. A scarf joint requires some sort of overlap of the two parts, allowing them to be pinned to provide similar strength to a continuous length. That timber has simply been sawn through, with no attempt to join them, as is obvious from the witness marks, from the sawmill, being a perfect match. That right hand section, just rests on the left, and the left is supported by the vertical prop, which hopefully, rests on a structural wall.
Its a plain scarf joint as opposed to a nibbed , hooked, key locked etc etc
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
