New Hair

Today, the Momplex is going to the salon.

This Momplex we are building ... it is a big box.

In defense of big boxes, they are the most efficient to build, the most efficient to heat and maintain.

But we don't want the Momplex to look like a big box.

No. We want the Momplex to look like this:

We want the Moms to drive up and be excited about their home because it does not look like a giant box.

And we don't ever want the Moms to not be able to access their garages because a giant pile of snow fell off the roof right in front of the garage doors. Nope, we want the Moms to drive up and say, ah, this is my lovely home, and drive right into their garage and be home.

Hey what can I say? I love my Mom. She's my hero.

Momplex

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hq79Z-HMzso/T6QJNQPcjGI/AAAAAAAAKQI/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />The ends of the rafters line up with the valley chalk line.<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQO-SiJRgPg/T6QJOlC9J3I/AAAAAAAAKQY/…; alt="" style="width: 470px; " />And then the front rafters are added to complete the front overhangs.<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KmePOYSz9ec/T6QJOXg2EYI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />Though we are not done yet, if I was the Momplex, I'd be checkin' myself out, admiring my new haircut.<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T0o5vfm58MI/T6QJPAwQ5tI/AAAAAAAAKQc/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />Because the new roof is adding tons of style and functionality to the front of the Momplex.<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lRzJ8Nnhbjw/T6QJSFpVrmI/AAAAAAAAKQw/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />Once the rafters are set, we added plywood on top with a nailgun.  <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JwXn6j-gnYY/T6QJTDtjhtI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/…; style="width: 467px; " alt="" />Following along the valley chalk line.<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWNTMo63ln8/T6QJTWcZzgI/AAAAAAAAKRA/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />Until the entire new roof is sheathed.And then we called it a day.But here's a sneak peak of what the Momplex's new hair looks like from the front.<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YfYm_N5IqpI/T6QJVGyYxTI/AAAAAAAAKRI/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" />It was a good day at the salon!

Step 1 Diagram

Step 1

So we've got to build another roof on top of the existing roof. When our trusses were made, we had the middle trusses clipped short on the ends, so the front of the Momplex looks like a bite was taken out of it.

In other words, the Momplex has bad hair.

Step 2 Diagram

Step 2 Instructions

We've done roofs like this before, our great room roof comes to mind right now <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zMQvqSBBxZ8/T2o2ENNqtHI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/…; style="width: 470px; " alt="" /> but this is the first time we have used <a href="http://ana-white.com/2012/03/alaskalife/google-sketch-basics" target="_blank">Google Sketchup</a> to draw out the roof first.  What a time saver!

Step 3 Diagram

Step 3 Instructions

And you will want a rafter square.

Step 4 Diagram

Step 4 Instructions

Rafter squares are really cool because you can measure roof angles in seconds, consistently accurate.

Our roof is a 4-12 pitch, meaning for every 12", the roof rises 4". To figure this angle, you simple line the 4" mark up with the edge of the board, and then line the 12" mark up further down. Then depending on what direction the cut is, mark a line.

Slick stuff.

Step 5 Diagram

Step 5 Instructions

To start the roof, we screwed a 2x4 to the center, adjusted for level, and then added the ridgepole. The ridgepole runs "wild" meaning it is longer than it needs to be. We will be removing the upright later on, so length just needs to be taller than the roof.

Step 6 Diagram

Step 6 Instructions

Then we chalked lines where the valley will go. I drew the chalk lines in to illustrate.

Step 7 Diagram

Step 7 Instructions

Then we start cutting rafters. This is actually the not so fun part. Because we choose to build the roof on top of the first roof plywood - instead of framing into the trusses - the rafter ends must be cut at a double bevel. So the blade is angled while an angle cut is made.

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aJj9ZfH5_fE/T6QJGDX0MyI/AAAAAAAAKO4/…; style="height: 700px; " alt="" />And then to the top of the rafters brackets are nailed.

Step 8 Diagram