
Are you looking for ways to enhance the look of your home or business exterior? One way to do this is by supporting roof purlins. These structures can be used functionally and aesthetically, making them one of the most versatile options for creating a beautiful outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking to provide extra structural support in a building or just want to add some decorative touches, roof purlins can be a great addition. Purlins are an oft-overlooked part of any new home construction, but they have many advantages that make them very useful in helping with stability and design.
With the right amount of attention paid to these underrated construction components, you can create attractive designs that are also highly secure and sturdy. Let’s take a closer look at how to support roof purlins!
What Will You Need?
When supporting roof purlins, you will need a few supplies. These include:
- Sufficient screws or nails
- Roofing felt
- Plywood
- Roof flashing
- Masonry anchors
- Sheathing
- Caulking and sealant
- Hammer or drill/driver, depending on the type of fastener being used
- Level
- Tape measure
Once you have the above supplies, you can begin supporting your roof purlins.
10 Easy Steps on How to Support Roof Purlins
Step 1. Measure the Space:
Before you begin, it’s important to measure how much space you have for the purlins. This will help ensure that everything fits correctly and securely when you are done. Don’t forget to measure the slope of your roof as well!
Step 2. Install the Sheathing:

Place your sheathing in the chosen area and secure it to the roof with nails or screws. Make sure that the sheathing is perfectly level before continuing. Because sheathing acts as a buffer between the roof and the purlins, it’s important to install this layer correctly.
Step 3. Install Roof Flashing:
This is important for keeping water from dripping into your home after rain or snowfall. Place the flashing around all sides of the area where you will be installing your purlins, and use nails to secure it in place. Be careful not to damage the flashing when you are doing this.
Step 4. Install Masonry Anchors:
Once the flashing is in place, it’s time to install masonry anchors. These will keep your purlins in place and keep them from shifting or becoming loose over time. Use a hammer or drill/driver to insert the anchors into the sheathing.
Step 5. Place Plywood:
Place the plywood on top of the masonry anchors and secure it with screws or nails. Make sure that all edges of the plywood are level before continuing! This will provide further support for your roof purlins when they are installed.
Step 6. Cover Roof Flashing with Felt:
Before installing your roof purlins, you should cover the flashing with roofing felt. This will help protect your home from water infiltration and provide an additional layer of protection against wind and weather damage. Additionally, it will make the purlins look more attractive when they are in place!
Step 7. Install Purlins:
Now it’s time to install the purlins! Make sure that they are level before securing them in place with nails or screws. It is also important to make sure that all edges of the purlins line up correctly before nailing them down. If you find that any of the purlins are warped or crooked, it is best to replace them before continuing.
Step 8. Apply Caulking/Sealant:
Once the purlins are secure, apply a generous amount of caulking or sealant around them and along any visible seams between the sheathing, plywood, and flashing layers. This will help ensure that no water can penetrate through these areas. You can also use caulk to make sure that any exposed nail heads are covered.
Step 9. Add Finishing Touches:
To finish everything off, you can add a coat of paint or stain to the purlins. This will give them a nice finishing touch and also help protect them from further damage. Don’t forget to add a layer of sealant or caulking to any visible seams as well.
Step 10. Add Pitch Pads:
Pitch pads are important for providing extra support for your roof purlins, especially if they are located in areas with a lot of sunlight or inclement weather.

Place the pitch pads onto the purlins and secure them with screws or nails to ensure that your roof is fully supported. If you need to, you can also add additional pitch pads in areas where the purlins are especially long or vulnerable.
With these ten easy steps, you can support your roof purlins successfully. Remember that it’s always best to hire a professional if you feel like the job is too daunting for you! They will know how to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely. Good luck with your project!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Always use hardware designed for connecting roof purlins to rafters or trusses. Make sure the fasteners are appropriate for the job and that they are secured to a solid base material such as framing lumber.
- Use insulation between the purlin and the rafter or truss to help reduce heat loss from your home. This can be done either by installing a continuous piece of insulation between them or using separate pieces for each connection point.
- Consider how you will support the weight of your roof when deciding how many and how wide your purlins should be spaced apart. Keeping this in mind will help ensure that your roof is structurally sound and not at risk of damage over time due to excessive weight load on the purlins.
- If possible, use a roof truss system to support your roof purlins instead of rafters. This will help distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the risk of structural failure over time.
- Consider using steel or aluminum for your roof purlins if you are looking for a lightweight yet strong solution that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Steel and aluminum can also be pre-cut and drilled to fit any size or shape of the roof structure.

These tips and tricks should help you when it comes to supporting roof purlins. Remember, always take the time to properly assess your needs before making any decisions, as this will ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your project. With these tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is safe and secure!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t Use Too Many Nails: When it comes to supporting roof purlins, using too many nails can be just as bad as not using enough. Overnailing can create problems with the roof structure, leading to future issues such as leaks and water damage.
- Don’t overstretch the rafters: If your roof construction requires trusses, make sure you don’t stretch them beyond their design limits. Doing so can weaken their strength and lead to problems with support roof purlins.
- Don’t Skimp on Bracing: Bracing is essential to supporting roof purlins, helping keep the entire structure stable and balanced. Make sure that you use the right type and quantity of bracing for your roof design.
- Avoid Using Single Purlins: When it comes to support roof purlins, try not to use a single purlin. Instead, opt for two or more that are spaced apart and securely attached, as this will provide greater stability and strength.
- Don’t Forget About Ventilation: Proper ventilation is also necessary when it comes to supporting roof purlins, helping keep moisture levels down and preventing rot or mold from developing in the future. Ensure all your vents are properly installed and functional before signing off on your project.

By following these simple guidelines on support roof purlins, you can help ensure that your project goes smoothly and that the end result is a safe and durable structure. With proper planning, installation and maintenance, you’ll have a sturdy roof for years to come.
Conclusion
Steel roof purlins are an excellent way to support your roof. They’re strong, durable, and easy to install. When installing steel roof purlins, make sure you use the proper supports and fasteners.
There are a few ways to support roof purlins, depending on the size and weight of your purlins. If you have a small shed, you can get away with using straps or wires. You’ll need to use metal cables or pipes for larger structures, such as warehouses or factories.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that the supports are evenly spaced and that the purlins are level before attaching them to the rafters. With some careful planning and execution, you can ensure that your roof purlins are properly supported and will last for years to come.
Hopefully, the article has given you a better understanding of how to support roof purlins. From planning and installation to maintenance, following these tips will help your project go smoothly and ensure that the end result is a safe and durable structure. Good luck!
You Can Check It Out to Repair Cracks in Brick Walls