Framing Gable Roofs

Submitted by Ana White on Thu, 07/19/2012 - 11:44

I have to say, we are so glad we built the Momplex with ICFs. It's very comforting to know that we could put the doors in and insulate the upstairs ceiling and be able to turn heat on.  Not to mention the walls are 2 to 3 times more insulated than most stick frame walls.

But as happy as we are with our decision to use ARXX blocks for the exterior of the Momplex, I do miss stick framing.  I do miss building with wood.

So this project, framing these little roofs above the front man doors on the Momplex, it has been one of my favorites so far.

We already have the posts secured to the sonotubes (hehe see? I'm that much smarter today! thanks!) and the front header attached to the posts.  We went with 4x6 posts because the huge size of the Momplex just demands that big of a post to keep proportions right.  

So now we are going to frame up the roof that sits on top of the posts. 

Step 1 Diagram
Step 1

The first thing we do is attach a 2x6 to the Momplex itself for attaching the roof to it. At this point, all we do is screw a 2x6 up to those black fastening strips.

Step 2 Diagram
Step 2 Instructions

And then we attach 2x6s on top of the posts and tying in with the 2x6 attached to the Momplex. We've chosen the length of this board to match exactly the width of two pieces of tin so we won't have to rip tin down to size later on.

Step 3 Diagram
Step 3 Instructions

This board is screwed to the header. Everything is checked for square.

Step 4 Diagram
Step 4 Instructions

By overextending, we are working a overhang right into the roof framing.

Step 5 Diagram
Step 5 Instructions

And then we do the other side the same.

Step 6 Diagram
Step 6 Instructions

Once everything gets squared up, it's time to beef up the Momplex-to-small roof joint. We need something in concrete to support the side of the roof NOT supported by the 4x6s. So the Ram drills holes with a concrete drill and pounds concrete anchors into the holes and bolts it all down.

It's time for the fun part!

Step 7 Diagram
Step 7 Instructions

Finally, we get to cut those rafters! We have always used a rafter square and hand figured out birdsmouths (a notch out where the rafter meets the side wall) and rafter angles. This time, I've drawn the entire roof out in Google Sketchup, but we mark the birdsmouths with the rafter square. Technology is not always smarter than old fashioned techniques.

Our roofs are all 4/12 - meaning the roof rises 4" every 12". You can find this angle by lining up the 4" mark and 12" mark on the edge of your board. To cut out a birdsmouth, we lined up the 2" mark and 6" mark (a factor of 4/12) and marked it.

Step 8 Diagram
Step 8 Instructions

And then hand cut the birdsmouths out with a handsaw. So the scrap piece of wood is a triangle, with the right angle sides 2" and 6" respectively (minus saw blade width).

Step 9 Diagram
Step 9 Instructions

Test the rafter for fit.

Step 10 Diagram
Step 10 Instructions

With a ridgepole in the center and the other rafter up, it's a perfect fit!

Step 11 Diagram
Step 11

Can you see the rafter end has a notch in it? That's the birdsmouth we cut out of it.

Step 12 Diagram
Step 12

Satisfied with the rafters, we cut the rest of them, and start drilling pocket holes. Kreg Jig (no this is not a sponsored post) just came out with the<a href="http://www.kregtool.com/Kreg-Jig-HD-Prodview.html&quot; target="_blank"> HD jig </a>and we decided to give it a try on these roofs.

Step 13 Diagram
Step 13

The screws are BURLY.

Step 14 Diagram
Step 14

We attach rafters with the pocket holes.

Step 15 Diagram
Step 15

And then attach rafters to ridgepole with the pocket holes.

Another set of rafters is holding up the other end of the ridgepole.

Then we just keep adding rafters, 24" on center, down the ridgepole.  Some tips - we marked all the joints on the ridgepole and sides BEFORE attaching - everything is easier to do when you are NOT reaching overhead on a ladder.  We also cut the fronts of the sides off at an angle to soften the edge.

And before we knew it, the last rafters were up and the roof was framed! 

Be we still aren't done yet!  We've got another roof to frame up.  

You do everything twice up at the Momplex.

We are thankful to have two awesome Moms to do this for!

And the second time always goes much smoother and faster.

The little roofs are not even done yet, but with the framing up, I feel so inspired!  I know we've been building the Momplex ourselves with a limited budget, and we can't build each Mom the mansion she deserves, but little things like spending a few days to make sure the doorway is covered and the front looks a little prettier is something we can do.

And be proud of!

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