Rafters and Roof Sheathing

After getting the walls erected, it was time to start adding the structure of the roof. We braced the building with the included lumber and made sure everything was level and ready to go.

We found it easiest and most stable to run a few 2x4s from the existing frame on the front and back of the shed to tack the end rafters to, and then run the ridge pole between them to then continue nailing the rest of the rafters to.

One the back of the shed, we have a window in the center, so we ran a board up each side as shown below. The first photo show the boards tacked in place. The next photo show how we then used those boards to connect the first set of rafters and that end of the ridge pole.

2x4s nailed into place to support rafters and ridge pole in place while remaining roof frame is built

First set of rafters and ridge pole using boards from above photo

We then ran a 2x4 up the front of the shed to accomplish the same thing. We were able to use the door frame to run up from since it was ideally located as shown below.

The front center pole is added and Brad attaches the first rafter to it towards the front end.

The top beams in the kit are all marked for proper placement for the rafters, so there is no guesswork or measuring involved. This goes pretty quickly once you get your rhythm down.

The next few photos are the rafters as they are they being placed.

Both ends in and ready to rumble!

Rafters get added quickly once you get your rhythm.

Rafters done and ready for collar ties!

Brad installing the collar ties for the ceiling sheathing and making sure everything is level.

View with all the collar ties in place

After we got the collar ties nailed in, we pulled out the roof sheathing. WOW - what beautiful wood! You don't get plywood but 1" by 12" solid pine. It seems a shame to cover it up.

In fact, I realized at this point that the only place I've seen plywood has been the underside sheathing! If we hadn't gotten the tongue-and-groove flooring, 3/4" CDX plywood would have been included as part of the kit for the floor.

The following photos show the installation of the roof boards being added to all but the final on each side. Brad has to trim around the windows and frame and needs to match the end boards up to the trim. More explanation on this later.

Starting at crown, first few boards nailed into place.

It is so exciting to see the roof coming together!

Large boards make quick work of this job!

A comfy chair to be able to take breaks in the newly formed shady area!

One thing you'll notice is that the roof up to this point only covers the 12' by 12' portion of the Home Office; it doesn't cover the 4' porch. The porch has metal roofing which is supported by a ridge pole and rafters that are built out from the face of the front gable. There will be two heavy porch posts supporting each outer corner.

Next step, insulation and house wrap! That will be very exciting since we'll be able to see how the walls and windows actually look.