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.

Shed roof dormer framing. Framing a shed dormer is a simpler process than building a gable dormer. Be extremely careful not to damage the existing structure. A shed roof differs from a flat roof dormer only in that the roof is sloped. The shed roof rafters are fastened to the other side of the header.

Usually a dormer is made for extra light into a house. Wide depending on the size and length of the existing rafters. However the width can be increased with properly sized and engineered support framing. 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.

Shed dormers get a bad rap for being ugly. 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. The end wall of a shed dormer carries the load rather than the sidewalls. 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.

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. There is generally no load bearing issue when the end wall is framed directly over the exterior wall of the first floor. 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. 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.

Cut the shed dormers opening with a reciprocating saw. If you feel that your house has little natural light you could think about creating a dormer with shed roof which will certainly help. Verify that the new rafters align with the sheathing of the roof. It has no peak no hip and it isn t rounded.

Be sure to fasten the rafters in appropriately. This framing option is usually best for dormers up to 6 ft. 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. You ll also need good equipment for working up high an extension ladder roofing brackets and scaffolding see roof safety.

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