Why does a metal roof use purlins?

Metal panels span between supports instead of sitting on a solid deck. Purlins run across the rafters to give the panels something to fasten to at the right spacing.

Can I change the purlin spacing?

Yes! Edit the spacing note and move the purlins in ArcSite to match your panel's span chart.

Can my estimators price metal roofs the same way?

Yes. You set panel, purlin, and trim prices once in a shared library, and every estimator quotes from it, so a roof priced on Monday matches one priced on Friday.

Metal Roof Framing Plan - Free Template Download!

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Metal Roof Framing Plan

A metal roof is a popular pick for shops, barns, and homes where the owner never wants to reroof again. ArcSite's metal roof framing plan lays out rafters, roof beams, and 5" C-purlins over a 26' x 26' L-shaped footprint.

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Key Features

This metal roof framing plan includes:

L-shaped roof, 26' x 26' overall
Two 13' wide sections, one 26' long and one 20' long
Roof beams around each section
Rafters across every section
5" C-purlins running across the rafters
6' x 6' framed opening
Rafter and purlin spacing notes

Purlin spacing sets where the metal panels fasten, so match it to your panel manufacturer's span chart before you order steel.

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Design tips

Why a Metal Roof Framing Plan Matters

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Metal panels fasten to purlins, not to a solid deck, so the purlin layout has to line up with the panel's span limits. Draw the rafters and purlins in ArcSite, and you can check every span before the steel shows up.

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