Framing Gable Roofs

The first thing we do is attach a 2x6 to the Momplex itself for attaching the roof to it. At this point, all we do is screw a 2x6 up to those black fastening strips.

And then we attach 2x6s on top of the posts and tying in with the 2x6 attached to the Momplex. We've chosen the length of this board to match exactly the width of two pieces of tin so we won't have to rip tin down to size later on.

This board is screwed to the header. Everything is checked for square.

By overextending, we are working a overhang right into the roof framing.

Once everything gets squared up, it's time to beef up the Momplex-to-small roof joint. We need something in concrete to support the side of the roof NOT supported by the 4x6s. So the Ram drills holes with a concrete drill and pounds concrete anchors into the holes and bolts it all down.

It's time for the fun part!

Finally, we get to cut those rafters! We have always used a rafter square and hand figured out birdsmouths (a notch out where the rafter meets the side wall) and rafter angles. This time, I've drawn the entire roof out in Google Sketchup, but we mark the birdsmouths with the rafter square. Technology is not always smarter than old fashioned techniques.

Our roofs are all 4/12 - meaning the roof rises 4" every 12". You can find this angle by lining up the 4" mark and 12" mark on the edge of your board. To cut out a birdsmouth, we lined up the 2" mark and 6" mark (a factor of 4/12) and marked it.

And then hand cut the birdsmouths out with a handsaw. So the scrap piece of wood is a triangle, with the right angle sides 2" and 6" respectively (minus saw blade width).

Test the rafter for fit.

With a ridgepole in the center and the other rafter up, it's a perfect fit!

Can you see the rafter end has a notch in it? That's the birdsmouth we cut out of it.

The screws are BURLY.

We attach rafters with the pocket holes.

And then attach rafters to ridgepole with the pocket holes.

Another set of rafters is holding up the other end of the ridgepole.

Then we just keep adding rafters, 24" on center, down the ridgepole.  Some tips - we marked all the joints on the ridgepole and sides BEFORE attaching - everything is easier to do when you are NOT reaching overhead on a ladder.  We also cut the fronts of the sides off at an angle to soften the edge.

And before we knew it, the last rafters were up and the roof was framed! 

Be we still aren't done yet!  We've got another roof to frame up.  

You do everything twice up at the Momplex.

We are thankful to have two awesome Moms to do this for!

And the second time always goes much smoother and faster.

The little roofs are not even done yet, but with the framing up, I feel so inspired!  I know we've been building the Momplex ourselves with a limited budget, and we can't build each Mom the mansion she deserves, but little things like spending a few days to make sure the doorway is covered and the front looks a little prettier is something we can do.

And be proud of!