What are some common uses of purlins?

Answer 1

Purlins are horizontal structural components used in construction to support the roof and walls of a structure. They are primary components of the structure in Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) structures, such as Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings from companies like Maxroof. Common uses for a purlin include:

1. Roof Support: Purlins support roofing materials between roof trusses or roof rafters. Purlins are designed to take the load of the roofing material and distribute it uniformly over the wide span.

2. Wall Support: Purlins can be used as structural support for wall cladding or other materials. This is applied in an industrial or commercial building, especially for wall cladding made from metal panels.

3. Load Distribution: Purlins can help reduce deterioration of a structure by transferring wind load, snow load and other environmental loads from a roof system to the main frame and foundation system of the building.

4. Secondary Framing: In Pre-Engineered Buildings, the purlins connect the primary frame of the building, which in most cases is primary metal framing, to the roofing or siding. The purlins in a PEB are normally either Z-shape or C-shape steel framing member.

5. Mezzanine Support: In some industrial buildings, purlins have been used to support mezzanine floors used to create additional storage space in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

Purlins are important for creating a cost-effective and durable construction process for warehouses, factories, and agricultural buildings.

Answer 2

Purlins are commonly used to support roofs. Purlins are horizontal in shape; it commonly supports rafters that hold up the roof. Thus purlins are quite heavy.