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Glite Dictionary
purlin

purlin

1 9.6
A horizontal beam that supports roof rafters
  • noun
  • /ˈpɜr.lɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vigueta
  • To reinforce the roof structure, they added another purlin along the ridge line.

Examples

  • Got to remove these purlins and put in some new ones.

    Straw Dogs (2011)

  • Then came the question of how to ensure that the fastener and purlins needed to construct the roof were shipped with the water.

    Blog text (16)

  • I would distract myself from the sermon by tracking with my eyes the intricate raftering, the swing beams and purlins, and the braces around the posts that held the roof up.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The carpenter installed the purlin to ensure the rafters were properly supported.

  • After measuring the distance, he cut the purlin to fit snugly between the trusses.

Synonyms

beam
vspurlin
104 2.7

A long strong piece of wood, metal, or concrete that supports part of a building

is a specific horizontal roof support for rafters rather than general structural support
stemple
vspurlin
  • UK
9.9

A strong post that holds up a roof or wall, for example in a mine

is limited to horizontal roof support that holds rafters not vertical or mine use

How Strong

girder
  • Specialized
14 5.0
joist
5 7.5
beam
104 2.7
purlin
  • Specialized
1 9.6
batten
1 8.8

Surface Forms

purlin singular
purlins plural

Etymology

Purlin probably comes from an old French word like perlin meaning 'small beam' or 'bar'. Think of a purlin as a roof 'beam' that runs across the rafters to hold them up, which is why a purlin is the horizontal support in a roof.