Ridge Height and Standing Large Gable Ends.

[Big Builder]

What is qickest and easiest ways to calculate the ridge height?

We are framing quite a large gable end wall and would like to complete
as much as possible before standing it. With the 2" v-joint sheeting we are using what is the quickest way to drop the last rafter.......just rip it down? I can't drop it because of the exposed ceilings. What is the quickest way to frame the top of the gable end wall to be bang on when we go to install the "dropped rafters" on top of it after it is stood up?

[Dragon]

Lay it out on the floor and cut to fit.

Hey, he asked what is easiest.

[Big Builder]

You are right I asked............so I will be more specific...........for you.

I think the best way is to r simpley rip 2" of the top of a common rafter.

I was looking for the simplest way to work out how to cut all the posts in the gable end wall so that when I install the "dropped rafter" it will fall on top of the post perfectly.

Thanks

[Dragon]

Are you trying to build your wall then place the gable rafters on top?

Why?

Draw out the entire wall and rafter layout on the floor.

Cut your rafters and use them for your top plate. Balloon frame the wall. Cut 1.5" notches at the top of the studs so that the outside of the stud matches the outside of the rafter. Stand it all at once. You can even attach your barge rafters while you are at it, depending on how wide your overhang is..

It is the strongest, and no errors.

[Big Builder]

That is how I have done it in the past. The wall is over thirty feet high and on an island (no crane) so
I am a little worried about it being "top heavy"

THat is why I was going to leave more of the top that i would ordinarily. Normally i would put soffits and fascia as well. Tips on standing such a wall?
We arn't allowed to use walll jacks here.

[Dragon]

Build a big A frame and use a pulley?

:D

[giddonah]

nice, I had to go to google three times on this thread. I couldn't find anything for "dropped rafter" though. Can I get a description?

[Rich]

Essentially the exterior rafter (gable end) is dropped 3.5" or whatever the dimension of the lookouts are. The lookouts frame into the side of the last full rafter and cantilever out over the dropped rafter - creating a gable eve.

Here's a drawing I did awhile back.. http://www.construction-resource.com/images/ladderframe.jpg

[Big Builder]

Exactly. We are simply extending ouor 2" T and G

roof sheeting over the dropped rafter to create our

eave.

Tomorrow we try 8 guys and a pully to a tree to lift this lunker of a wall.

[giddonah]

gotcha. thanks.


google.... lookouts.... :?

[giddonah]

found it

http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/framing/frame_5.htm

that show was cool...

:shock: 5:30am on sunday???? I need to hurry up and build that pvr...

[Rich]

Using the method shown there giddonah - don't go over 1' with it.. it's just not strong enough.. especially if you have any snow or high winds.

[Big Builder]

What are your thoughts on extending 2" t and g

roof sheeting 18" past the gable end rafter with

the sub fascia and fascia attached directly to it

with no other support.?

[Rich]

I would say you would be just fine with the 2" thickness - but I would probably put a rafter to attach the (sub)fascia to.

[Dragon]

What are your thoughts on extending 2" t and g

roof sheeting 18" past the gable end rafter with

the sub fascia and fascia attached directly to it

with no other support.?

My thoughts are I don't like it.

But thats just me.

I've had to do a repair or two on old houses in my time that were done in that fashion.

[Rich]

I agree Dragon - I would definatley put the extra rafter in and extend your subfascia on the eave side to attach the rafter to.. not sure if that's a good enough explanation but...

[Big Builder]

What sort of repair?

[Dragon]

What sort of repair?

Roof and Decking.

[Big Builder]

Rich: There is no ridge beam or board for that matter. The engineer spec'd these site built
four ply trusses spliced together. Would I be able to put a rafter on the end like you suggest?
Normally I would but without a ridge board extending out will it solve the problem?

Randy

[Rich]

You bet you can.. the weight (little that there is) will be supported by the cantilevered eave sub-fascia and by pushing against each other at the top.

[Big Builder]

right on.

that's what we will do.

thanks again.

Now it's on to joining multiple pitches. we have four different pitches on this roof.

[Dragon]

Excellent.

Bastards are always interesting.