2006-11-19 15:47:08 · 4 answers · asked by standleygeorge@sbcglobal.net 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I agree with Joel. Don't built them on the ground. It might be easier to assemble on the ground, but the trouble you will have trying to get them up and in place will be more of a challenge. You will obviously still need an extra hand, but it can be done with just one additional person. Take the time to research the technique of making the proper cuts, which is all based on the pitch you choose for your roof. The speed square will be alot of help to you, and the little book that comes with it will explain all of the cuts and processes. Once you find the center of your building and get your ridge board in place, you will only have to figure out the cut for one rafter, and this might take you a couple of tries. Once you have that rafter figured out, use it for your pattern and cut all the same. Then nail your rafters to your ridge board and to your top plate. Be sure that everything is square and the ridge board is level. Look into overhangs to figure out what to do at each end.
There is a lot of info and techniques to do this, and I am not going to type it all out. Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of any more help. Have fun with it, and take your time. Good Luck.
2006-11-19 23:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by Average Joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have four men and a boy (or a crane) to help you heft them onto the wall plates, I wouldn't suggest building them on the ground. If your gable spans the 18 foot width, those are some heavy trusses. It can be done, but if you're asking for info on building them, then you obviously don't have the experience in roof framing. That's fine, I applaude your initiative. What I might suggest is going to a home store and purchasing a "speed square" from the tool section. That's the little triangle shaped thingy with all the numbers on it. It comes with a booklet that explains in simple terms the proper method for roof rafters. A little more advice, I'd buy a few extra rafters so you won't run short when you screw the first few up. Because you just might screw the first few up. But you gotta learn somehow. Good luck.
2006-11-19 17:22:14 · answer #2 · answered by Joel A 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like the man said "two men and a boy, plus a crane" it is better to build them on the ground. I've "walked trusses many times in Vegas for the extra money, lot of people get hurt here, I've seen some pretty bad falls from the second story. Be careful.
2006-11-19 20:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
easiest way is to build them flat on the driveway (like a truss) place them on the walls and attach together.
2006-11-19 15:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋