Purlins are 2 by 4 feet and are installed much like metal roofing.
Timber roof purlins.
In lightweight timber roof construction under purlins were used to support rafters over longer spans than the rafters alone could span.
They give added support to the roof and also provide a nailing surface for the end panels and drip edge.
Purlins are a series of horizontal timbers laid across or connected to as depicted above the principal rafters and support the roof covering typically 2 6 tongue and groove boards conventional or structural insulated panels sips and roofing.
Do all roofing projects require purlins.
Purlins are installed horizontally under metal roofs.
From this shot it appears that there are three purlins on either side of the roof.
They meet at the top of the gable at a ridge beam which has extra bracing to attach it to the rafters.
This is a very traditional concept in heavy timber roof framing.
It is a horizontal bar that used to support building at the roof structurally.
Purlins are non pressure treated 1 x 4 x 12 lumber that is installed on to the roof in a specific layout pattern and screw pattern.
Under purlins were typically propped off internal walls.
There is an available purlin for every type of roofing material including purlin span for metal roof which is the most common material type to use this item.
The rafters are the beams of wood angled upward from the ground.
The purlins are the large beams perpendicular to the rafters.