I am building a replica lighthouse. How should I build the sloped walls? Can I slope the walls or should I build plumb walls and then build a second sloped exterior wall?
I am building a replica lighthouse. How should I build the sloped walls? Can I slope the walls or should I build plumb walls and then build a second sloped exterior wall?
Easy-to-make tools simplify the framing, while time-tested flashing techniques make it last a lifetime.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Fine Homebuilding
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialStart your subscription today and save up to 70%
SubscribeGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
Yes you can build sloped walls,
But, they should be engineered, becasue they will need sealed drawings to get past the building dept.
You can either install posts to support the structure and then apply sloping walls, or build the sloping walls. The sloping walls would be essentially like standard framed walls, the only trick is figuring out the angles where things come together. Actually strronger than a rectangular structure.
I'd build the angle in as I framed. Assuming you're building just what you pictured figure out your base size then cut each bottom plate to fit one side and make a 30 degree angle cut on each end. Firgure your top plate sizes and do the same thing. You'll have to cut an angle on the top and bottom of each stud then align the end studs on each plate to the 30 degree angle. Stand each section up one at a time, put a brace under each one until they're all in place then the structure will hold itself up just fine. I've built a lot of A frame houses the same way. It's really not much harder then straight walls. Post some pictures when you get done. I grew up just ablock away from a home built windmill built just like that.