Hang in there tight! You’re almost there. Before referring to any figure, let us crunch some numbers. Not really but you will need to so some calculation to figure the roof pitch. Luckily, there are many websites out there that do such calculations.
It is assumed that you have already covered the instructions to construct foundation, back side wall, front side wall and the rest of the sides by now.
It is not recommended to have steep slope. The roof pitch that was used for this shed is 4/12. What that means is a rise of 4-inch every 12-inch of the building width. In our case, the rise was 12-inch and the run was 36-inch (3-ft), resulting the following:
- Angle of 18.4°
- Rafter of 37.9-inch (used 48 inches)
You are probably wondering what do those numbers mean? And why do we need them? Great questions. Well, you need the angle to cut the roof joists so they can fit correctly when constructing the roof frame. Using the Miter saw, adjust the angle to 18.4°. Using the 2-in x 4-in x 8-ft studs, mark all nine studs at 48-inch (4-ft) (exactly in the middle) and cut all of them.
Materials needed (same materials):
- 9 (2-in x 4-in x 8-ft) – standard wood
- 1 (2-in x 4-in x 10-ft) – standard wood
- Corner metal braces – optional
After you cut the studs to the recommended length, use the 10-inch stud to secure the end rafters to it. Unfortunately, you can not build the entire roof frame on a flat surface with exception to the four end rafters as shown on picture. The rest of the rafters should be added to the roof once corner ends are secured and leveled too.
It is best and easier to use metal braces to attach the roof frame to the building.
Once the 10-ft rafters support stud is secured, continue installing the rest of the rafters as shown on Fig. 18 and in accordance with spaces shown on Fig. 17.
Whether you use screws or nails, it is up to you but you should probably use screws for the first few rafters.
The hardest part is over with! If you did everythign correctly, you should have a great looking bare frame at point.
See a compiled full-size figure used for framing the roof, or continue to installing sidings.
