Shed Roof Dormer Framing

It offers many benefits including water shedding and cost effectiveness but it also comes with cons including ceiling height issues and susceptibility to high wind.

Shed roof dormer framing.

When comparing roof types you see a lot of gable and hip roofs but a contemporary option with a simple design is a shed roof. Usually a dormer is made for extra light into a house. The end wall of a shed dormer carries the load rather than the sidewalls. This framing option is usually best for dormers up to 6 ft.

There is generally no load bearing issue when the end wall is framed directly over the exterior wall of the first floor. 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. When designed with care intent and an eye for scale and proportion however shed dormers can enhance a home s exterior while providing valuable space inside. Be sure to fasten the rafters in appropriately.

Be extremely careful not to damage the existing structure. While they offer a practical solution for adding square footage to the second floor of a 1 1 2 story home shed dormers are often oversize creating an awkwardly large mass on the roof. A shed roof differs from a flat roof dormer only in that the roof is sloped. Again while not especially interesting it does reduce construction cost while increasing though not maximizing as does a true flat roof dormer the space beneath.

Building a dormer requires a tool belt loaded with all the basic carpentry tools plus a few extras a circular saw reciprocating saw framing square and 2 and 4 ft. 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. However the width can be increased with properly sized and engineered support framing. If you feel that your house has little natural light you could think about creating a dormer with shed roof which will certainly help.

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. Framing a shed dormer is a simpler process than building a gable dormer. Install a 2 by 6 5 08 by 15 24 cm header across the opening. 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.

Shed dormers get a bad rap for being ugly. The shed roof rafters are fastened to the other side of the header. You ll also need good equipment for working up high an extension ladder roofing brackets and scaffolding see roof safety. Verify that the new rafters align with the sheathing of the roof.

Frame the front wall to fit between the new rafters assuring that its top is level and that the sides are perfectly plumb.