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I want to have high ceilings for storage so I'd prefer to have no rafter ties and I figured if I have the gussets I can skip the collar ties too. The ties are cheap enough to install which I think should replace the benefit of rafter ties but will a plywood gusset work to replace the collar tie? I'm in MA so we do get a snow load.

Width is 16', length is 24'. The roof here is 4' high, so 8/4' rise. Rafters will be 2x6

enter image description here

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  • The drawing is helpful. It would be even more helpful if there were some dimensions added (at least in the text).
    – FreeMan
    Commented Sep 15, 2021 at 12:44
  • I would not rely on just the gussets to hold those rafters in place. There's an awful lot of tension in those gussets under a MA snow load. What does you local inspection department say?
    – SteveSh
    Commented Sep 15, 2021 at 14:25
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    Also, the only way I would consider what you proposing is to have the rafters bear upon a ridge beam at the peak of the roof.
    – SteveSh
    Commented Sep 15, 2021 at 14:26
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    Like SteveSh says, you're going to need a ridge beam to carry the load of the roof without bowing out the walls. As for the collar ties, maybe you can look to see if there's a strong tie for this application. Where I am, I'd need to get an engineer to sign off on any design in order to get a permit, so I might as well consult with one on this question. BTW, don't forget that hip roofs exist.
    – Edwin
    Commented Sep 15, 2021 at 14:38
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    Having a true ridge beam changes the loads. The static loads (the roof itself, snow, etc) now bear straight down vertically to whatever is supporting the ridge beam and the lower ends of the roof rafters. With this configuration, there is no spreading force to try and force the walls apart. Go look at the picture of my deck from the post I referenced above,
    – SteveSh
    Commented Sep 15, 2021 at 15:27

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