I am retrofitting a skylight into 12/12 pitch roof with 2×8 rafters 16″ OC. The span is 12’8″. I have to header off one rafter to fit the skylight. Is it required to double the rafters to each side of the skylight? I was planning on doing that but have found it impossible to maneuver a rafter into position. Is it sufficient to sister one on in 2 pieces? Suggestions?
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Replies
This has been discussed before, maybe that is why no one is answering. The easiest thing to do this, is to nail in your doubled up headers and then sister in your 2x8s. They will almost be full length. Use construction adhesive.
you do not need to double up the rafters, in fact the header probably only needs to be a single piece of 2x.
Sorry, reread your post, Missed the part where you have to cut existing rafter. The bad news is you really need to double up those rafters.
Any chance of getting a skylight to fit existing space or maybe another skylight?
Edited 8/28/2008 4:04 pm ET by frammer52
How big is your skylight?
I'd probably not bother doubling the sides of the skylight. Putting two pieces on it is a waste of lumber.