How to Frame a Dormer

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Schedule your project considering that the roof will be wide open and the work may last an entire day.

   Arrange for delivery of the materials as well as an industrial trash receptacle for the scraps. , Stretch the tarp out until it overlaps the roof ridge. , Roll the tarp up so you will be prepared in the event of rain. ,, Saw from the bottom up on both sides.
   
   Do not cut the overhang. ,, and verify that the walls will be square with the home's exterior walls. ,,,,, Be sure to fasten the rafters in appropriately. ,,, Continuously verify that the walls are squared. ,, To establish the ridge point, stretch a string from the peaks of the new trusses, following that line back into the existing roof. ,,,,,, Make sure you cut the length of the 2 by 4 (5.08 by
   10.16 cm) equally to the ridge board's proper height. ,,,,,,
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   Step 2: Create a layout that incorporates the details of the project such as slope

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   Step 3: headroom and exterior appearance.

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   Step 4: Purchase your materials

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   Step 5: including wood

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   Step 6: windows and any other specialty items.

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   Step 7: Acquire a heavy-duty tarp that is large enough to entirely cover the roof.

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   Step 8: Affix the tarp to the roof

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   Step 9: screwing a 2 by 4 (5.08 by 10.16 cm) over it.

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    Step 10: Remove the shingles and the sheathing board from the area of the roof where the dormer will constructed.

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    Step 11: Mark the inside edges of the dormer's sidewalls in chalk.

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    Step 12: Remove the sheathing boards.

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    Step 13: Mark the layout of the dormer walls on the floor of the attic.

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    Step 14: Trace the layout on the underside of the roof using a plumb bob and install nails through the corners.

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    Step 15: Remove the shingles from this area and mark cut lines between the nails.

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    Step 16: Open the roof by sawing through these lines.

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    Step 17: Indicate the cut lines on the old rafters using the layout you've drawn on the floor as a guide.

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    Step 18: Reinforce the opening by adding rafters to both sides of the roof.

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    Step 19: Verify that the new rafters align with the sheathing of the roof.

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    Step 20: Install a 2 by 6 (5.08 by 15.24 cm) header across the opening.

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    Step 21: Frame the front wall to fit between the new rafters

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    Step 22: assuring that its top is level and that the sides are perfectly plumb.

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    Step 23: Finish framing the walls by installing the side walls.

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    Step 24: Frame the rafters.

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    Step 25: Measure and cut a post to temporarily support the ridge.

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    Step 26: Measure and cut the valley rafters

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    Step 27: assuring that they have the proper angles for the slope.

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    Step 28: Install the valley rafters using a straightedge to assure that they are properly aligned with the tops of the common rafters.

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    Step 29: Cut the valley jack rafters so that the angles are equal to the common rafters and create a 45-degree bevel on the bottom.

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    Step 30: Hang the valley jack rafters

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    Step 31: nailing them every 24 inches (0.61 M) on center.

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    Step 32: Use a 2 by 4 (5.08 by 10.16 cm) to temporarily support the 2 by 8 (5.08 by 20.32 cm) ridge board.

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    Step 33: Create a header from a 2 by 8 (5.08 by 20.32 cm).

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    Step 34: Cut it to the length of the opening and then use metal joist hangers to attach it to the new rafters.

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    Step 35: Attach the rafters to the ridge by driving 16d nails through the ridge and into the rafters.

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    Step 36: Hang the opposite rafter to the rafter using 8d nails and drive 3 nails into each side.

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    Step 37: Attach the rafter to the wall plate

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    Step 38: using 3 8d toenails.

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    Step 39: Complete your dormer by filling in the walls and installing the roof.

Detailed Guide

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