noun
- horizontal structural beams that support the common rafters of a roof
Usage: construction; architecture
Examples
- The carpenter installed purlines to provide additional support for the roof structure.
- Metal purlines are commonly used in commercial building construction.
- The architect specified the spacing between purlines in the building plans.
- Workers secured the roofing material to the purlines with special fasteners.
- The purlines help distribute the weight of the roof evenly across the frame.
- Steel purlines offer greater strength than traditional wooden beams.