Framing A Shed Dormer Roof

Remove the temporary collar ties.

Framing a shed dormer roof.

To correct a slight dip in the floor we established a benchmark height with a laser level and nailed 2x6 squash blocks to the sides of the existing floor joists. Make a rafter cutting jig by measuring 12 in. 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. Finish the end walls with blocking studs notched to fit around the rafters and fastened to the top plate.

They also give you more bang for the buck. 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. Be extremely careful not to damage the existing structure. Schedule your project considering that the roof will be wide open and the work may last an entire day.

Shed dormers are an efficient way to gain more space. The roofing material will need to be stripped back for this step. If you feel that your house has little natural light you could think about creating a dormer with shed roof which will certainly help. Usually a dormer is made for extra light into a house.

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. This framing option is usually best for dormers up to 6 ft. 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. Building a 20 ft wide shed dormer doesn t take much more effort than building a 4 ft wide version.

Because they can be much wider than gable dormers shed dormers can provide more headroom and therefore more usable space. 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. The shed roof rafters are fastened to the other side of the header. Framing a shed dormer is a simpler process than building a gable dormer.

Purchase your materials including wood windows and any other specialty. Wide depending on the size and length of the existing rafters. Create a layout that incorporates the details of the project such as slope headroom and exterior appearance. Along the level line and using a square to draw a perpendicular line up to the roof edge of the board.

Cut the shed dormers opening with a reciprocating saw.