Cutting a rafter for a skylight
PenobscotMan
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
OK, Boss Hogg and Piffin have made it clear to even the dimmest HO that cutting a truss is a really bad idea. How about cutting one rafter for a skylight? I understand that the best practice is to sister the neighboring rafters if this is to be done. I don’t see how I can snake two new rafters into place to accomplish the sistering.
I’m thinking of installing a skylight that fits into two rafter bays. Current rafters are 2X8, 16in OC, 12/12 pitch. No structural roof beam.
Replies
I don't see how I can snake two new rafters into place to accomplish the sistering.
It always appears that way, yet it's done all the time. It's not a whole lot of fun, but it's far from impossible too.
How long are your existing rafters, BTW? Doublers all the way around is best practice.
I think they are about 18 ft (I'm not at the house right now). By "doublers all around", do you mean sistered rafters and double headers, right?
OK, I'll try it.
Yes... sistered rafters and doubles for headers. Remember... these rafters don't need a tail or anything... just bob them off at the plumb line of the outside of the plate. If it's really that tight, you can cut the heel stand 1 1/2" short, slip the rafter in, and then drive a 2x block in between the rafter and the top plate to jack them up snug where they belong.
There's lots of skylights available with a 30 1/2" RO to fit between rafters on 16" centers.View Image
cut hole in roof
feed sister in
jockey sister around and nail her in place
repeat on opposite sister
cut out offending rafter and place headersGood time to mop the sweat off your brow njow and take a breakOK, back to it!
remove necessary shingles
set skylight
wrap box to roof with Vycor
finish flashing and shingles backThen take care of the interior workKeep a tarp handy just in case
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Cut a hole in the drywall ceiling below and feed them up.
Patch/prime/paint you're all set.
Penobscotman,
NO.