Hello
I am beginning on the little house trio (I will hopefully have the 24' x 14' up next summer) and was reading the comments on roof slope in the plans. Although I have done some roofing work (of the handyman variety) I would prefer not to work on a 45 degree slope. However, I do want a loft in the 24' x 14'. Thus I was thinking - as suggested - of using 12' studs in the 24' x 14' (and 8' studs in the 10' x 18' and the 12' x 14' side extensions). If I did that, I could have a gable roof of more moderate slope for the 24' x 14' with a reasonable loft. In that case I was thinking of shed roofs for the extensions (the 10' x 18' and the 12' x 14') which sloped up toward the 24 ' x 14' (it seems that the 18' x 10 would need to peak where the 24' x 14' peaks in order to get some reasonable slope?). My question is basically is any of this reasonable and, if so, what slopes should I be building for. In a sense, it seems the minimum reasonable slope on the 18' x 10' will sort of force the issue.
Ed
By the way, I appreciate the help given. It is not easy to get my questions answered elsewhere.
Just my opinion but I think it will look better with a 12/12 roof. I would not go less than 8/12 and even that will be hard to work on. This is all from an asthetic standpoint not a function.
About the steepest I have felt comfortable working on without some sort of harness or foot support is 7.5/12. And I want a lower slope each year that I try it.
Many people have farmed out the roof work to the pros. It is a less complicated way of getting the loft and the cottage look without having to compromise either.
:( Unless I was a very experienced framer/roofer, I would not attempt framing, sheathing and finishing anything over an 8/12 pitch. I don't believe you would find contracting that part out is outrageously expensive and is definitely cheaper than a trip to the emergency room. I know I would find it agonizing slow and nerve wracking----I contracted my 12/12 and watching them at work made me very happy to write that check. It was on top of 12' walls so the peak was 29' off the ground.
I had a similar question a couple of weeks ago and somebody suggested a roof ladder. I have a 12 12 pitch roof with 10' side walls. Last week with my 12 year old step son and 14 year old daughter, 10 feet of scaffalding and the roof ladder we where able to put on the felt and metal sheeting in about 5 hours. It worked like a charm. My butt sure was sore afterwards after running up and down the ladder and scaffolding so many times.
yeah, we have a 9/12 roof and have been putting off the tin. Our nerves are still shaky from the felt. If we had the money we'd pay someone else to do it. Then again, if we had the money, a manlift would come in handy....
Thanks for all the replies. A large problem is it is very unlikely that I'm going to be able to find somebody - the cabin is a good 80 miles from any reasonable source of contracting - other than some friends or relatives to help me with the roofing. Possibly for that reason nobody nearby has gone much past a 6/12.
With my limited experience with our 10:12 metal roof I dont think I'd have much more to add that other's havent already. Renting a manlift for a day would be good thought/money's worth while meking it more reasonable safety wise.
Quote from: Ed on September 15, 2009, 01:15:19 PM
Possibly for that reason nobody nearby has gone much past a 6/12.
Bingo! It's why I chose to stop at a 5:12 pitch. :D But then I did not want a loft at all.
Quote from: rwanders on September 13, 2009, 03:10:50 AM
:( Unless I was a very experienced framer/roofer, I would not attempt framing, sheathing and finishing anything over an 8/12 pitch. I don't believe you would find contracting that part out is outrageously expensive and is definitely cheaper than a trip to the emergency room. I know I would find it agonizing slow and nerve wracking----I contracted my 12/12 and watching them at work made me very happy to write that check. It was on top of 12' walls so the peak was 29' off the ground.
It was VERY expensive, VERY frustrating and VERY time consuming. 12/12 pitch, 180 miles out with 16 feet to the top of the walls.
No one got hurt. Even after the wife saw the check that I reluctantly wrote.
When I did mine I built scalfolding with 4x4 andplanks around the perimeter and then used roof brackets to work my way up.It wasn't so bad
80 miles out isn't that bad. In this economy if you pay the contactor $15.00 an hour travel time, plus throw in a $50.00 gas card I am sure you could get someone to make the trip for you. Assuming 3 hours a day travel for 3 days with 2 guys works out to be only $320.00 or $230.00 for 2 days. For that kind of extra money you will kick yourself in the butt if you compromise the usability and desired look for a short savings. JMO