Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX Galvanized Slopeable Light Rafter U Hanger for 2x8 (LRU28Z)
Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX Galvanized Slopeable Light Rafter U Hanger for 2x8 (LRU28Z)
Key Features
Overview
The Simpson Strong-Tie LRU28Z LRUZ Face-Mount Rafter Hanger is a sloped face-mount connector built for rafter-to-ridge connections in wood framing. This is a face-mount rafter hanger designed for sloped roof framing and retrofit rafter fastening. Model Number: LRU28Z. It is made from 18-gauge steel with a ZMAX coating and is sized for nominal 2x6, 2x8, and 2x10 solid sawn rafters.
What makes this hanger matter on the job is its field-adjustable seat. Instead of being locked into one pitch, the LRUZ can be sloped down from 0 degrees to 49 degrees and sloped up from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In plain terms, that gives you one connector that can handle a wide range of roof pitches, including tricky repair work where the framing you are tying into is already there and not always perfect.
The open design is a big part of why this model gets used for both new construction and retrofit work. You can install it before or after the rafter is in place, which helps when sequencing is messy or access is limited. Simpson Strong-Tie also places the face fasteners high on the hanger, which allows the bottom of the rafter to hang below the ridge beam when needed. That added flexibility can solve layout problems without forcing a different connection strategy.
For jobsite practicality, the LRU28Z supports installation with either nails or Simpson Strong-Drive SD Connector screws. That matters because retrofit conditions do not always let you drive fasteners in a straight horizontal path. Simpson specifically provides an alternate retrofit installation method using #10 x 2-1/2 inch Strong-Drive SD Connector screws installed upward to match the roof pitch, up to 49 degrees max, when an existing roof deck blocks a standard approach.
From a material and durability standpoint, the hanger uses 18-gauge steel and a ZMAX galvanized coating. That coating is intended for added corrosion resistance, especially in exterior framing and treated-wood applications where a basic finish is not enough. If you are building or repairing roof framing exposed to moisture during construction, that finish is not just a line on a spec sheet, it is part of long-term connector performance.
Fitment is straightforward. The published joist or rafter size range for the LRU28Z is nominal 2x6, 2x8, and 2x10. The seat width is 1-9/16 inches, the listed hanger height is 6-15/16 inches, and the B dimension is 1-15/16 inches. Those dimensions matter if you are trying to match connector geometry to your framing package and maintain proper bearing and clearance around the ridge beam.
If you are a framer, roofer, remodeler, or serious DIYer working on a sloped roof connection, this connector is built for exactly that kind of work. It is especially useful when you need one hanger that can cover multiple pitches, when you are repairing existing rafters, or when you want a code-focused wood-to-wood connection from a brand that publishes detailed installation and load data.
Built for Retrofit Roof Work
When the roof deck is already in place, standard fastening can get awkward fast. This alternate installation layout is why the LRU28Z is a practical retrofit connector instead of just a new-build part.
- Alternate retrofit method uses #10 x 2-1/2 inch Strong-Drive SD Connector screws
- Fasteners may be angled upward to match roof pitch, up to 49 degrees max
Helps Solve Ridge Beam Clearance Issues
Roof framing is rarely just about hanging the rafter. You also need the connection to work with the ridge beam depth and the way the rafter lands. The LRUZ design gives you more flexibility at that intersection.
- High face fastener placement can allow the rafter bottom to hang below the ridge beam
- Simpson publishes minimum ridge beam depth guidance for this connection style
Simple Geometry, Real Framing Flexibility
The shape of this connector is the point. The open body and formed seat are what let it handle different pitches and installation timing without turning into a custom framing headache.
- Open design supports installation before or after the rafter is in place
- Made for wood-to-wood framing connections using specified nails or SD Connector screws
Key Specifications
| Product Type | Face-mount rafter hanger |
|---|---|
| Material | 18-gauge steel |
| Finish | ZMAX coating (G185) |
| Application | General framing |
| Compatible Rafter Sizes | Nominal 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 |
| Seat Width | 1-9/16 in. |
| Height | 6-15/16 in. |
| B Dimension | 1-15/16 in. |
Compatibility
Built For
Pro Tip
If the existing roof deck blocks a straight fastener path, use the published alternate retrofit method with #10 x 2-1/2 inch Strong-Drive SD Connector screws sloped upward to match the roof pitch. That is the whole reason many crews keep the LRUZ around for repair work.
Warranty & Support
Tool Nut's Take
Simpson Strong-Tie LRU28Z LRUZ Face-Mount Rafter Hanger Is the Smart Fix for Sloped Rafter Connections
This is the kind of connector that saves time because it handles real framing conditions instead of ideal ones.
- Who it's for: Framers, roofers, remodelers, and inspectors-minded DIYers working on sloped rafter-to-ridge connections.
- Why it stands out: The field-adjustable design, retrofit-friendly installation options, and ZMAX-coated 18-gauge steel make it a practical connector for both repairs and new roof framing.
- Worth knowing: Follow Simpson's specified fastener schedule and published load tables. This part is all about using the right connector the right way, especially on pitch-sensitive roof work.
Common Questions
- What is the LRU28Z used for? It is used for sloped rafter-to-ridge wood framing connections in general framing, roofing, repair, and retrofit applications.
- What roof pitches can it handle? Simpson states it may be sloped down from 0 degrees to 49 degrees and sloped up from 0 degrees to 45 degrees.
- What rafter sizes does it fit? The LRU28Z is sized for nominal 2x6, 2x8, and 2x10 solid sawn rafters.
- Can it be installed with screws instead of nails? Yes. Simpson states it can be installed using nails or Strong-Drive SD Connector screws, including an alternate retrofit screw installation method.