Adding dormers

[apbiodr]

My husband and I just bought a beach cottage. It has a saltbox roof with the longer side facing the front. We would like to add two dormers to this front side, exterior only (for appearance), but the roof supports are 2x6's and wonder if they would hold the weight of the dormers.

[Rich]

You'll probably have to double or triple each rafter on the sides. You'll also have to add in a header for the ridge to sit on between the tripled rafter.

[Tom R]

The normally need to be 'doubled-up' under both sides of each dormer and 'headered-off' under the top and bottom of each dormer.

[apbiodr]

Can they do this work on the roof from the outside, or do they have to tear through the vaulted ceiling in the den?

[Rich]

They can but will need to tear off the roof material and sheathing.

[mjpliv]

A good rule of thumb is to add an additional rafter ply to the sides for every two rafters that are cut. Build the walls that support the dormer roof on top of the new doubled/tripled rafters. The inside face of the roof structure will have to be opened up to install the additional plys to the rafters.

[Rich]

Rules of thumb.. hmm... you got me thinking now. I think I might add a forum just for Rules of thumb.

[mjpliv]

And you could title it " In A Perfect World ......."! :D

[Rich]

LOL..