I replaced 2×4 rafters (spanning 10 feet) with 2×10’s, 24″ o.c., in rebuilding a shed roof, in order to get significant insulation up there. I toe-nailed the 2×10’s to the top plate and am wondering if I need blocking between them, at the top plate, for anything other than a nailing surface for siding? If so, can I use scrap 2×2’s or 2×4’s just at the top of the 2×10?
Thanks.
Thon
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Replies
You shouldn't need blocking. Your sheathing will hold the top side of the rafter in place.
You mention blocking for siding. Usually the soffit or fascia is below the top plate so the siding will terminate well before the rafters. Do you have a unique situation?
Jon Blakemore
My plan was to nail 6 foot 2x6's to the top of the 2x10's, to give me a 2 foot overhang. There would then be what I believe is called an open soffit? The house siding would then continue past the top plate, up to the roof sheathing. Sound reasonable? (Nope, no inspections around here.) <G>
Thanks.
Thon
You may want to put in a soffit to keep birds out, but everything else sounds fine for a shed. Blocking helps to keep things straight. You may want to put a row in the middle to help keep the rafters from rolling around, but 10' isn't that long, and it's a shed. If you put in a ceiling of some type, that also helps to keep the rafters from rolling around.
You don't need it structurally there, but With exposed rafter tails on camps and sheds, you want to cxlose it in with what we call "birdblocking" phrase self-explanatory.
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Yes, your idea sounds reasonable and it also sounds like it will look good.You were right to think to install blocking here, both to keep things straight and for nailing for the siding.
Jon Blakemore
that blocking you speak of also prevents the rafters from rolling. but scraps should work fine.. its not getting inspected is it?
"that blocking you speak of also prevents the rafters from rolling. but scraps should work fine.. its not getting inspected is it?"
I think they are called freeze (sp?) blocks... I'm aware that they are more common "up north" but here in NC, I've never seen them. And there are definately not required. Lots of stick framed roofs here too.
Matt
Edited 11/12/2004 8:35 pm ET by DIRISHINME