Basic roofing step by step

[lonelytree]

I searched for roofing and found a bit, but could use a bit of help. If you are stick roofing a cabin what are the steps to take? I would believe that this is a start:

1) Ensure walls are square and plumb.

2) Measure outside wall to get span.

3)

Please continue

[rocking23nf]

3: hire a roofer since you don't know how to build one.

I dont mean this in a disrespecful way.

[lockman]

I'm sure someone else will help more, but basically you'll have to determine what slope you're going to build.... then calculate the length and cuts of your rafters... I can't get very detailed right now... just wanted to give ya something so the post above mine doesn't discourage you.... Not everyone has the money to just hire someone else... and some people take pride in learning how to do something themselves.

[ScottA]

lol I was gonna say the same thing.

All kidding aside it sounds like you are building a roof not roofing. is that right?

Give us a few details such as house width desired roof pitch ceiling type etc and I'm sure we can talk you through it.

[rocking23nf]

The thing is, rafters arent expensive. take for example 12x12 roof. each rafter was 35$. They are built to the size you need. I mean if i had to buy the materials alone would have been half the price. I was glad to pay someone to make the rafters.

[Ernest T. Bass]

The thing is, rafters arent expensive. take for example 12x12 roof. each rafter was 35$. They are built to the size you need. I mean if i had to buy the materials alone would have been half the price. I was glad to pay someone to make the rafters.

I think you are talking about trusses?

[Don_P]

This is one thread I remembered;
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6271.0

[rocking23nf]

yes I meant trusses.

[lonelytree]

3: hire a roofer since you don't know how to build one.

I dont mean this in a disrespecful way.

I am trying to hire a roofing crew, but due to the remoteness, it is becoming increasingly obvious that I may have to do it myself. I found a couple out of work roofers, but they are more concerned with the red and king salmon runs.

I do have a bit of knowledge. Due to location and only weekends to do it, I am looking at it taking more time than I want to spend. Money I have, time I don't. So if I attempt it, I want to gather all the information available to ensure that I don't waste materials, time or end up with a product that is unsafe or substandard.

[Kiwi55]

I'm beginning to put up the roof (in sections) on my cabin. This is the list of steps I made up (for my situation), note: I had pre made trusses.

Steps for Roof:
1.   Build Gable truss/rake rafter for Living room
3.   Build Gable Truss/rake rafter for main floor
4.   Measure and mark end of each truss to wall width
5.   Put up gable truss in living room
6.   Make sure the overhand at each wall is correct
7.   Brace with 4x1 on both sides down to wall
8.   Make sure it's vertical
9.   Nail and fit hurricane ties
10.   Cut spaces between trusses – fit first pair
11.   Raise second truss and remaining trusses
12.   Brace all living room trusses
13.   Fit remaining hurricane ties
14.   Run string line and cut rafter tails
15.   Measure fascia board and route dado for soffit
16.   Fit fascia board
17.   Measure rake trim board and route dado
18.   Fit rake trim board
19.   Put up roof decking
20.   Fit style D flashing
21.   Ice and water shield
22.   Plytanium
23.   Felt paper with plastic head nails
24.      Metal roofing

[John Raabe]

The House Framing book by Wagner has a very complete review of all the steps (w/ great pictures) in Chapter 9 "Basic Gable Roof"

See a review and link at our Best Books for Building a Small Home.

PS - Some people who have found their way to this forum may not yet have visited the free tools and resources on the main site.

[lockman]

I also recommend the book John's talking about.... it's an excellent book well worth the money.