How to Build a Gable Roof
Nail top plates to all the outside walls., Measure and cut ceiling joists from 2-by-4 lumber., Cut a ridge board form 2-by-6 lumber., Lay planks across the ceiling joists., Calculate the rise of the gable roof., Measure and cut the rafter boards...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Nail top plates to all the outside walls.
The top plates should consist of 2 boards of sufficient width to cover the tops of the walls. -
Step 2: Measure and cut ceiling joists from 2-by-4 lumber.
You will attached these to each pair of rafters so they resist the outward pressure of the rafters on the walls.
Install the ceiling joists onto the top plates so they span the structure from one long wall to the other. , The ridge board forms the peak of the roof.
It's parallel to, and as long as, the longer walls of the structure. , This gives you something to stand on while you assemble the roof.
Later you can move these planks to the outside of the roof. , You want the slope to be between 25 and 45 degrees.
You can use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the roof's slope and length of the rafter boards if you know the distance from the ridge board to the outside wall and the rise of the roof.
If you don't want to do the math for the rafters, you can buy a copy of The Roof Framer's Bible, which contains tables that will tell you how long they should be. , The rafters will be attached to the ridge board at intervals of 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 cm) and sit on top of the walls.
The length of the rafters depends on the rise (height) of the roof and how far past the walls you want the rafters to extend.
Use a miter box or miter saw to cut the rafter boards so you can attach them to the ridge board at the correct angle.
Create a triangular notch in the rafters at the place where they will rest on the top of the walls.
Miter the tail end (the end that extends past the wall) so the rafters will come to a point. , You will attach this to the rafter boards near the peak of the roof on the inside, stabilizing the rafters.
It's not necessary to miter cut the collar ties. , Make sure as you do so that the top plates of the walls fit well into the notches in the rafters.
To do this best, get a helper and use and temporary braces. ,, Leave room to install vents so warm air can escape from the roof and help keep the structure cool. , Begin at the bottom and overlap the sheets.
Cover the ridge board with an extra sheet. , Begin at the bottom and overlap your rows.
You also need to offset the rows so the edges of the shingles are centered on the shingles above and below them. , -
Step 3: Cut a ridge board form 2-by-6 lumber.
-
Step 4: Lay planks across the ceiling joists.
-
Step 5: Calculate the rise of the gable roof.
-
Step 6: Measure and cut the rafter boards from 2-by-4 lumber.
-
Step 7: Make a collar tie for each pair of rafters.
-
Step 8: Assemble the gable roof.
-
Step 9: Nail planks to the rafters so they run parallel to the ridge board.
-
Step 10: Cover the ends of the gable roof with mitered planks.
-
Step 11: Roll out tar paper and nail it to the planks.
-
Step 12: Add asphalt shingles and roofing nails.
-
Step 13: Finished.
Detailed Guide
The top plates should consist of 2 boards of sufficient width to cover the tops of the walls.
You will attached these to each pair of rafters so they resist the outward pressure of the rafters on the walls.
Install the ceiling joists onto the top plates so they span the structure from one long wall to the other. , The ridge board forms the peak of the roof.
It's parallel to, and as long as, the longer walls of the structure. , This gives you something to stand on while you assemble the roof.
Later you can move these planks to the outside of the roof. , You want the slope to be between 25 and 45 degrees.
You can use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the roof's slope and length of the rafter boards if you know the distance from the ridge board to the outside wall and the rise of the roof.
If you don't want to do the math for the rafters, you can buy a copy of The Roof Framer's Bible, which contains tables that will tell you how long they should be. , The rafters will be attached to the ridge board at intervals of 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 cm) and sit on top of the walls.
The length of the rafters depends on the rise (height) of the roof and how far past the walls you want the rafters to extend.
Use a miter box or miter saw to cut the rafter boards so you can attach them to the ridge board at the correct angle.
Create a triangular notch in the rafters at the place where they will rest on the top of the walls.
Miter the tail end (the end that extends past the wall) so the rafters will come to a point. , You will attach this to the rafter boards near the peak of the roof on the inside, stabilizing the rafters.
It's not necessary to miter cut the collar ties. , Make sure as you do so that the top plates of the walls fit well into the notches in the rafters.
To do this best, get a helper and use and temporary braces. ,, Leave room to install vents so warm air can escape from the roof and help keep the structure cool. , Begin at the bottom and overlap the sheets.
Cover the ridge board with an extra sheet. , Begin at the bottom and overlap your rows.
You also need to offset the rows so the edges of the shingles are centered on the shingles above and below them. ,
About the Author
Brian Parker
Specializes in breaking down complex crafts topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: