Gable porch roof eaves question...

StephenP · 02-10-2006, 11:29 AM

Hi. I am adding a gable roof for a porch to my house. The old roof pitch is about 5/12. The sides of the new porch roof are supported by 6x8 beams, one end resting on a corner post, and the other end resting on the top plate of the exterior house wall. This brings me to my dilemma. My question is really about appearance, and I just didn't think about it before I started. Now that the rafters of the porch will be sitting around 8" higher than the rafters of the house, the eaves on each side of the porch will have to be about 24" long in order to ensure that the fascia will intersect at the same height. (in comparison to 16" on the rest of the house). I have slightly increased the pitch of the porch roof in an attempt to shorten the eaves, but it's not going to help very much. I am at a stage of framing this thing where I could conceivably shorten the posts and the ridge and side beams and fasten the ends of the beams to the outside of the house via some type of hanger, but this would mean removing enough siding to ensure a secure connection at the house, and supporting either the entire weight of the structure (or parts at a time) with jacks in order to safely lower everything down. The dimensions are 8ft t, 8ft d, and 12ft w. I have the ridge beam and five rafters in place on each side. My question is whether having eaves on the sides of the porch roof the same length as the house would really be worth all the extra work, or should I just finish what I've started and not be so picky? I realize everybody's tastes vary, but I was hoping to hear some opinions from some folks who might have seen a similar situation and then make a more informed decision.
Thanks!

(the pic was before I added the rafters - and the old porch roof to the left is gone now)

Stephen

Cole · 02-10-2006, 11:41 AM

Stephen,
It's just a matter of personal preference.

I would match up the overhangs.

StephenP · 02-10-2006, 12:35 PM

Cole - thanks for the reply!

I agree that the overhangs would look better matched up. But do you think it's worth the trouble I'd have to go through to lower the new structure?

(I hate screwups. Especially mine.)

Stephen

Cole · 02-10-2006, 01:16 PM

No, I would not lower the structure.

David · 02-10-2006, 03:25 PM

Just make them extend further down.

StephenP · 02-11-2006, 05:23 AM

I appreciate the replies. I will simply extend the eaves and match up the ends of the overhangs.
It's probably one of those things that although nobody will really notice, I will always know it's there - but now it won't bother me as much.
Thanks again!

Stephen