A gable roof measuring 32 feet long requires rafters to be installed at what spacing?

When building a gable roof, the spacing of rafters is crucial for structural integrity and load distribution. The typical and most commonly used spacing for rafters in residential construction is 16 inches on center. This spacing provides adequate support for the roof structure and allows for standard insulation and drywall installation between the rafters.

Using 16-inch spacing enables builders to optimize the amount of materials used while ensuring the roof can bear loads effectively. This spacing also aligns with standard building practices, which vary slightly in different regions but generally adhere to this 16-inch standard due to the balance it strikes between material efficiency and structural soundness.

While spacing rafters at 12 inches on center could provide even more support, it is often unnecessary for typical applications, as it increases material costs without proportionately enhancing structural performance. The options of 24 and 36 inches on center would not provide adequate support for most roofing materials and could compromise the roof's integrity, especially under heavy loads like snow or wind.

Therefore, the selection of 16 inches on center is both practical and consistent with standard building codes and practices, making it the correct and most efficient choice for spacing rafters in a gable roof measuring 32 feet long.