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I am interested in building a shed. I already have an 8×10 12″ thick concrete pad poured as my foundation. I am interested in building a shed with a roof pitch of 6/12 or 8/12 to replicate a Williamsbug style design. How do I calculate the rafter length for the 8×10 shed based on the pitch? Also, how do I secure the ridge beam so that I can attach the rafters? Thanks.
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Trigonometry, tables, or draw it out in cad.
OR
post the dimensions here and you'll get about 30 answers, all different.
As to holding the ridge up with no rafters attached to it to hold it up: I work alone and here's what I do, temporarily nail a 2x4 post to the end walls of your building so that you can place the ridge on top of these. Attach your rafters and remove your temp. posts.
*If you dont want to buy a book, I think Joe Fuscoe's website has an article on basic roof framing that would get you through your project. Just remember to test fit the first 2 rafters before you cut the whole stack. JonC
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on,
Thanks for the response. What is the address of Joe Fuscoe's web site?
Tom
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click on his logo in the bottom left of his posts...
*Tom,if you find the whole number crunching thing to difficult for figuring your rafters, then you might just want to hold your 2x6, or whatever you are using, against the ridge beam and over the outside of the wall of your shed and trace out what you need to. I think rafters are the second hardest thing for a first timer to work with (stairs being the first).For your initial angle at your ridge and facia, the degrees for 8/12 are 33.75 & for 6/12 are 26.50. Also the length of the rafter per foot of run (from ridge to outside of wall) is 14.42" (8/12) & 13.42" (6/12). Mind you when I refer to 8/12 for instance, I am talking about 8" of rise per 12" of run for that rafter.Pete
*Tom,Couple of quick thoughts.If I read your post right your gable end will be 8' wide and your ridge will be 10' long. If so, you can draw your gable end out full size on salvaged cardboard or even on the slab itself. You can then cut your rafters to match the drawing.Consider using a 2"x6"x10' for your ridge and setting it in pockets in the gable end fraiming. This will make it easier to attach your rafters. If you frame the gables to cary the load of the roof, something that is relatively easy in a structure 8' wide, you will eliminate the need for rafter collar ties and give you an open vaulted ceiling. A 6/12 roof will rise 2' at the ridge and an 8/12 roof will rise 2' 8". I would baloon frame the gable ends. Much simpler than building a seperate gable in something this size. A 6/12 roof will be the most economical to build. But, in this size structure the cost varience will be minor. Go for the look you want. Curious. 12" slab seems like overkill. Did you put it in for this project or is it left over from something else?
*Thomas, since my address is Williamsburg, VA, I have some idea of what your'e hoping to build. Here's a thought: Consider a roof pitch minimum of 8:12, and don't be hesitant to go to 12:12. A 6:12 pitch won't give you the "Williamsburg" look.The "sheds" you see behind the Williamsburg homes are actually privies or milkhouses. Their design lends to useful storage applications. You'll find few with windows... generally rectangular louvers are used. A variety of cornice details are used, generally with little overhang and a crown moulding along the eaves. No rake overhang. Siding is often beaded. OK to use rustic nails (Tremont nails by Maze).Anyhow, we're building two of these for clients this summer (or as soon as we can get to them). Fun little projects. Of course, I have only to wander around the Colonial Williamsburg historic area gardens to study designs and refine details. Lucky me!... The gardens are beautiful this time of year!Good luck, Steve
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I am interested in building a shed. I already have an 8x10 12" thick concrete pad poured as my foundation. I am interested in building a shed with a roof pitch of 6/12 or 8/12 to replicate a Williamsbug style design. How do I calculate the rafter length for the 8x10 shed based on the pitch? Also, how do I secure the ridge beam so that I can attach the rafters? Thanks.