How to Frame a Roof
Preparing and planning saves times and frustration when framing a roof properly. If you lay out your rafters, plates, and ridges to see how everything will look, you will be on your way to building a quality roof. This article will instruct you on how to frame a roof.
How To Frame A Roof
You will need a ridge board, rafter studs, a plumb post, 16-penny nails, nail gun, bevel square, pencil, rafter horses, circular saw, and plywood sheath.
Before you place your rafters, you should install the ridge board. Use a plumb post to support the ridge board until you are ready to attach the rafters to it.
Measure the rafter where the rafter meets the ridge. Use a bevel square to assist you. Place the rafters on the rafter horses in a straight line. Cut them to equal lengths.
Cut a small notch in each rafter where it rests on the double plates of the exterior wall. Measure them to ensure they fit correctly.
Start at the gable end and attach two rafters together. Connect them in the middle. One should be on each side of the roof. Secure the rafters to the plate with 16-penny nails.
Attach the rafter across the building until you reach the other end. The rafter studs should be spaced 16 inches.
Put the ridge board into place and nail the tops of the rafter to the ridge. Nail once side and then nail the other side. You should insert at least three 16-penny nails.
Plywood sheathing should be installed over the rafters. Secure the plywood sheath with 16-penny nails.