lookout framing

[matt_dunning]

now that i have my truss problem all straightened out i need some advice on framing the lookout. the truss is going to have a 24" overhang so should i make the lookout the same or is there a standard size for these? i was considering making it 18" any help will be appreciated. thank you btw for the guys that coached me with the truss issue. thanks!

[Don_P]

We didn't talk about it but hopefully you have a dropped gable end truss coming. The 18" is going to be stronger than 24". The 24 looks better to me and offers more protection of the gable wall. This is one of those "ask 10 carpenters" questions.

[matt_dunning]

well im not sure if the end truss is dropped for the lookout or not but i will know tomorrow afternoon when they deliver them. after reading about the framing of the lookout i am also hoping the end truss is dropped. i like the 24 as well but i am a little worried about the strength and longevity of the longer lookout.

[bighammer]

I wouldn't spend that much time worry about 18" or 24" and the strength issue. I will tell you that in my framing carrer we have always tried to make our overhangs match our soffit materials. We use alot of 16"x12' aluminum soffit so we always try to make it work around that. If the trusses do not come dropped we could ladder frame the overhang.

[matt_dunning]

well the trusses came today and the ends are not dropped. like you said im not gonna sweat it too much and when i get to that part i will make a decision. i believe i will go with a 18 inch lookout and oladder frame it in like you said. i really appreciate your advice here. you have been a real help. thank you!