Framing A Shed Dormer Roof

After the walls ridge and common rafters are set i overlay the valley framing on top of the main roof sheathing to save from cutting a true valley.

Framing a shed dormer roof.

They also give you more bang for the buck. Remove the temporary collar ties. However the width can be increased with properly sized and engineered support framing. If the slope of your dormer roof is the same as your old roof hold a scrap of plywood against the old roof boards and draw a level line on it.

Building a 20 ft wide shed dormer doesn t take much more effort than building a 4 ft wide version. The shed roof rafters are fastened to the other side of the header. Wide depending on the size and length of the existing rafters. If you feel that your house has little natural light you could think about creating a dormer with shed roof which will certainly help.

The end wall of a shed dormer carries the load rather than the sidewalls. Be extremely careful not to damage the existing structure. On the roof using the pilot holes drilled in step 1 snap the lines that will denote the opening in the roof for the dormer. Create a layout that incorporates the details of the project such as slope headroom and exterior appearance.

Shed dormers are an efficient way to gain more space. Purchase your materials including wood windows and any other specialty. Finish the end walls with blocking studs notched to fit around the rafters and fastened to the top plate. Roof framing doesn t have to be daunting but if it s your first try a simple gable roof say on a garden shed is the best bet.

Framing a shed dormer is a simpler process than building a gable dormer. Framing the dormer with the dormer roof raised and supported we cut away the part of the original roof that was still in place leaving the exposed ends of the floor joists. Cut the shed dormers opening with a reciprocating saw. Usually a dormer is made for extra light into a house.

Make a rafter cutting jig by measuring 12 in. Schedule your project considering that the roof will be wide open and the work may last an entire day. The roofing material will need to be stripped back for this step. Framing a dormer with shed roof is a difficult process but if you take your steps correctly you will be able to handle the job effectively.

This framing option is usually best for dormers up to 6 ft.