The Beam and Purlin Roof System
Prior to beginning the installation of the Beam and Purlin system the back wall framing was completed. The beam
and purlin system ties into the 6"x8" posts that are set in this wall.
Before the beams are installed notches are chiseled into the walls to accept the main beam. The beam itself is
mortised into the wall and is also tied to the support beams that have previously been mortised into the walls
directly below. This may sound complicated but it really is a pretty straight forward procedure.
The first set of beams goes into place. This was not an easy task because two of the three beams that make
up the basic structure are almost 20 feet long. Getting them up that high was quite a job.
We had three people working on this installation and one was very experienced with the system. If you don't have
someone who has done this before I suggest a crew of 4 at a minimum. There is a fair amount of jockeying around
required to get everything in place and the last thing you want to do is drop one of these 20 footers on someone
below.
This is also no job for someone who has a fear of heights. Standing on 18 foot high scaffolding and maneuvering
large beams is not for the timid. Thankfully Kevin's experience working with this system saved us a lot of work
and experimenting trying to get these beams in place. The system actually is very simple and just bolts together.
The ridge purlin goes into place. This was the "high" point of the day..... literally.
Occasionally a fine adjustment tool is required to get everything to fit correctly. Here you see Kevin fine
tuning one of the connections. The beam and purlin system is cut at the factory so it's very important that
close attention be paid to all the critical dimensions when installing the log gable end. Not being
professionals we made a slight error which required some "adjustments" to be made. Kevin picked up the
phone and made a quick call to the "home office" and in just a few minutes we had the solution to the
problem. You simply can't ask for better service than that.
Once the beams are in place the purlins are installed. This is what ties the system all together. The purlins
are secured to the beams with 10" lag bolts
There are a lot of purlins to install. The finished ceiling will be installed directly on these purlins so care
must be exercised to make sure they are level and in place correctly.
On this house we have two dormers in the front roof that will have specialty windows installed. The beam and purlin
system requires a couple extra beams to be installed when dormers are involved.
The basic structure is secured with 1/4" steel plates and bolts. The "boss" painted each and every one of
the 54 plates required to secure this particular roof system. Once the system is complete it is very
impressive to say the least.
All the beams and purlins need to be sanded preferably before installation. This could have been done after
installation but it would take much more time to do it that way. The "boss" took it upon herself to make sure
each beam and purlin was as smooth as a baby's behind before any were installed.
The basic beam and purlin system is now complete. We still have some blocking to add in a couple
places and the framed gable wall to build before the roof can go on but we're getting there.
Check back soon.


That's all for this week. Again we offer a BIG thanks to Kuhns Brothers
Log Homes for going above and beyond to help us get back on schedule.
I don't know what they're paying Kevin but whatever it is, it’s probably
not enough. He's a lifesaver. Next week we hope to have the gable wall
complete and be ready for a roof.