Best way to join two timber rafters at the apex?

Question

I'm adding a roof to a derelict (but strong) old shed.

The image below shows the simple plan. 152x38mm rafters, upon which there will be 76x50mm purlins at 1,000mm spacing. IBR roof sheets will be fixed to the purlins.

What I'm wondering is:

1. Do I need to have wall plates on the load bearing walls? (so long as each rafter is fixed by a wall tie)
2. What is the best (rudimentary) way to connect the rafters together at the apex? Circled in the image below. I'm hoping to avoid nail plates because of my remote location and their unavailability.

3. What prevents the rafters falling over before the brick fill between them is added?

Answer 1

You can use plywood gussets attached with glue and nails or screws to join the rafter peaks. You can also use plain wood, but plywood is a bit tougher if it's not too hard to get.

I would suggest shifting the join point from where it is drawn (left rafter unsupported by wall) to the right enough that both rafters bear on half the wall at the peak.

The boards at the rafter tails, and the purlins should hold the rafters until you fill in between them.You may want some additional blocking or x-bracing between them at mid-span to prevent twisting under load, though. That would also help to hold them.