Replies

1. 
   Jim_Allen | Sep 26, 2008 01:54am | #1

   Staggering if fine.

   On unequal pitched roofs, the jacks don't oppose one another unless the carpenter changes the layout on one plane or the other.

2. 
   Timuhler | Sep 26, 2008 04:31am | #2

   I had heard/read a long time ago that on equal pitched roofs there is a benefit to the jacks opposing each other.  I think it is in Roofcutter's Secrets.

   I talked to our engineer (same house we had the monster hips) and he said that is true, if the wall has been designed or is strong enough not to bow outward. 

   I like the way it looks and it is easier for me to cut opposing pairs if they opposed each other.  I order material long enough to get two jacks out of each 2x.  I get the longest and shortest and that way I'm handling less material.

1. 
   blownonfuel | Sep 26, 2008 06:11am | #3

   I have that book, i'll see if I can find it.

3. 
   Huck | Sep 26, 2008 06:29am | #4

   Your hip rafter looks undersized, and what grade of lumber is that?  I guess this is a non-critical project, but it does look suspect.  I haven't seen the rafters staggered like that, but if there was a purlin brace helping to carry the load, I would feel a lot better about it.

   View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product” – Charles Greene
   CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
1. 
   blownonfuel | Sep 26, 2008 04:28pm | #5

   Thanks Huck. That's what came off of my addition. It was a 2x6 that had been spliced.I was going to go back with a 2x6 but maybe I should go with a 2x8. I only have about 4" hap though so I would have to clip it by a lot. Maybe I should post that question also.

1. 
   Huck | Sep 26, 2008 04:47pm | #6

   The hip rafter should be a size up from the jack rafters.  That way you get full bearing at the hip end of the jack rafters.  In your photo it looks like the hip and the jacks are the same size.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product” – Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com

1. 
   blownonfuel | Sep 26, 2008 05:15pm | #7

   They were all the same size Huck.

2. 
   frammer52 | Sep 26, 2008 07:21pm | #8

   Huck, he is in Texas, everything is undersized there!!!!!!!!>G<

2. 
   Jim_Allen | Sep 27, 2008 02:08am | #9

   You will be clipping more if you upsize to the 2x8 but you need to make sure the bottom of the plumb cut on your jacks have full bearing.