I’m working on my addition again…
Time to layout the gable end wall(s) on a 24×24 garage. In my reading of various construction manuals (most purchased from Tauton Press), there seems to be two ways to do the framing of the wall.
One method is to attach the rafters on top of a single (or double?) top plate; the other is to forget the top plate completely, and notch the studs around the rafters, so the rafters are flush with the exterior of the wall.
Any suggestions or recommendations on the ‘better’ way to proceed?
Also, how might one go about raising such a wall using wall jacks? I had one thought of raising the wall about a foot, then attaching a 4×4 to bear the jacks upon… I’d appreciate ideas here…
thanks,
-TJ
Replies
When I am building with a structural ridge, I layout the gable wall on the deck and build it with double top plates, then raise it. If there is to be no structural ridge, I am more likely to set rafters to a ridge board and then frame the wall in under with notched studs. How high above ground and whether there is a large overhanging soffit on the gable end also come into play. Eg. for a 24" overhang, I want an cantilevered ladder frame for support so it must hang across the wall.
There is no signifigant overhang on the gable, just the trim. This section of roof is going in as the 2nd floor on the addition, over a 24x24 garage, 2x6 walls, 14" ijoists to support the span.
The ridge is to be structural - two 2x14 LVLs, supported by the gable walls (i think) and by two site-built trusses (engineered by the architect).
I [currently] plan to erect the gable walls, prepare the truss components, then get a crane in to position and hold the ridge until the trusses are erected and connected.
So, I have a choice as to how the gable walls are to be framed. It looks as if each assembly option is about as much work as the other, though in the plated method I wouldn't have to rip all the studs to notch for the rafters.
Does this help?
-TJ
As I see it, you don't have much choice without doing a lot of extra work.
You have no way to suppport the ridge beam until the gable end walls are framed. To do notched studs, you need to have the rafters already up to nothch to. Can't put rafters up without a ridge there.
This all seems like overkill for a simple 24' garage. Especially the extra trusses but he's the engineer. Since he has gone into this much detail and engineering, I'm surprised that he hasn't detailed the wall. Have you asked him?
Excellence is its own reward!
Ah, but it's not just a simple garage. I didn't want to get into complete detail. The garage is just one end of the addition...
I worked through the design in my CAD program, and it does seem as though the double-top plate method will work the best.
The plans do not detail the framing of the wall. The trusses are also supporting a 16' shed dormer at the rear, and twin doghouse dormers at the front.
thanks,
-TJ