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Outlookers How long can i go?

| Posted in Construction Techniques on August 17, 2003 02:12am

Customer wants me to extend the overhang past my planned 14″ My 1st rafter will be 16″ o.c back from the outside sheathing, on the gable wall. They will be attached to this rafter, and riding on a flat 2×6 rafter. overlooking. Do the same rules of cantilievering apply, or can i get away with more ? I don’t want someone to fall off the end one day.

What about adding corbels or brackets? She said she wants 4 feet . I said no way, but I told her I would check in to it. So this is part of my checking into it what do you say?

 

Where there’s A wheel there’s a way, got any wheels?


Edited 8/16/2003 7:19:39 PM ET by MuleSkinner

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  1. Edgar76b | Aug 17, 2003 02:17am | #1

    Heres a pic I think?

    Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

    1. User avater
      Luka | Aug 17, 2003 04:54am | #2

      Brackets.

      Make them look nice. But make them strong.

      That pic is mighty small, and awfuly bad quality for a file size that large. What program are you using ?

      A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.

      Quittin' Time

      1. Edgar76b | Aug 17, 2003 05:38am | #3

        sorry about the pic . It is a montage i put together as a JPg. file but the camera is a $20 dollar special.Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

  2. MarkCadioli | Aug 17, 2003 11:30am | #4

    4' is a lot of overhang. Falling off isn't the only issue. With that much overhang you have a lot of potential uplift problems that could under some conditions rip the roof right off.

    If the area isn't prone to storms with this type of capability one way to attack the issue is to use flat metal strap along the top of you outlook and then down the side of the rafter. Another tie where your outlook crosses the 2x6 ( and why are you using a 2x6 on the flat?) This will take care of the cantilever problem.

    regards

    mark

    quittintime

    1. Edgar76b | Aug 17, 2003 03:46pm | #6

      My rafters are 2 x 8 . My span is 11' which gives me a 74" rafter. @ x 8's give me enough meat to rip out a 2 x 4 rafter tail. The 2 x 6 will be like  top plate to run my gable studs into as well as providing the properthickness for my 2 x 4 outlookers, to match the 2x8 common rafters. Since the soffit is pitched, and I am trying to meet an existing over hang.  I need to keep my raftertails at 2 x 4. I actually only have about 6 common rafters total. I was going to tie them down with simpson straps.

      As far as uplift , I wonder how to make that descesion. you can have a tornado anywhere at any time I guess. Its on the side of a mountain next to a lake. lots of trees. I am more worried a tree will come down someday, but I hadn't considered that thanks. Anybody have any  input on the uplift point. It would be appreciatedWhere there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

      1. User avater
        CloudHidden | Aug 17, 2003 03:56pm | #7

        Why does client want that long an overhang? Likes the look? Blocks the sun?

        1. Edgar76b | Aug 17, 2003 04:12pm | #8

          Nice Pic piffin did you build that ?

          It will add cover to the deck below. Here are some more Pics. I don't have any of the existing overhang. The existing rafter tails measure 36" 2 4:12 and the sun room is figured to be the same at 6:12 . all of the gable end overhangs are 14". And the whole place is painted and will be Cheyenne red. Frank lloyd weight would have loved it. Two "" VEE lUX "" skylights are going in 30 x 40 the front window unit will be two center casements with 2 double hung book ends. The side will be a double casement. All Individual windows are 2 feet wide by 69" high NO E 

          Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

          Edited 8/17/2003 9:31:29 AM ET by MuleSkinner

        2. Edgar76b | Aug 22, 2003 10:46pm | #17

          she has old deck furniture and knick knacks , and she wants to put a bench out under the window.  All the other gable overhangs on this house are 12" all of the raftertail overhangs are 36"Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

    2. Edgar76b | Aug 22, 2003 10:42pm | #16

      well not to much progress. But i think it is going well. i hope if I am doing somthing you can see , that is wrong you'll tell me. I decided on 32" over hang. Or should i say I sold the idea based on the available Prefab brackets. I have som temporary brackets in now. The plan is to wrap the ridge pole and the extended top plate which will be double from underneath, with cedar. to match the scrolly part of the new Brackets. seems pretty strong to me. I was hangin on it early and Am at least 250 I don't look any more. I think I might have been able to do this the same way from a different approach. But everything is plumb and level. I plan to add some hurricane straps just in case. Also i will add a few 2 x 4 joist hangers, upside down on the outlookers just for kicks. I am running 2 x 8's as common rafters , but i guess the are only carrying the load of 2 x 6's Because of the seat cut. i wanted to keep each one 3.5 from the center line so i could use 2 x 4's as outlookers Not to mention that i needed to maintain a raftertail length so it hit the 4:12 truss tails just right . It is a 6:12 into a 4:12  my rafters are 6' long 9' with the tails. i wanted to keep them as part of the rafter as opposed to sistering them on later not sure if it would have made much difference, i bet it is easier . So i been Carving out a roof Thanks for all the imput. Have A great weekend. Brad Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

      1. pino | Aug 22, 2003 11:39pm | #18

        Where did you find prefab brackets?

        1. Edgar76b | Sep 01, 2003 03:24am | #23

          http://www.cumberlandwoodcraft.com Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

          1. pino | Sep 01, 2003 04:45pm | #24

            Thanks for the link

      2. dIrishInMe | Aug 25, 2003 06:07pm | #20

        It's hard to make out much detail in your pics, but I would recommend 2 things (if it's not too late): 

        1) install joist hangers where your lookouts tie back to (butt into) your 2x8 rafter.  

        2) install a double  2x4 king post below your ridge at the ext wall.  If that is a little window that is going above the big door,  Put a header above the little window with jacks and then the double 2x4 king post can sit on that. 

        Matt

  3. Piffin | Aug 17, 2003 03:45pm | #5

    For four feet, I would be expecting a ridge beam and sub-fascia to carry it, at least. Also depends what your snow load is.

    Here's an interesting one to show her.

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. Edgar76b | Aug 17, 2003 04:30pm | #9

      I didn't figure the snow load exactly, But I am certain it is over 50 , minimum requirement here is 25. my rafter span is only 5'6" I am using 2 x 8's and 1/2" real Cdx plywood sheathing. 

       The roof in the existing part of the house are built with trusses,24 o.c. with a king post  over a supported center wall.  Maybe eventually we can run the ceiling back to the center wall.

      Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

    2. KGambit | Aug 25, 2003 05:21pm | #19

      Piff,

       Where is that roof?? That's some fine looking woodwork.I don't understand! I cut it twice and it's still too short!

      1. Piffin | Aug 25, 2003 08:24pm | #22

        I can't take credit for that one. It's older than I am. It is here on Islesboro, Maine.

        I try to keep my camera with me and shoot archtiechtural details like that to file on my PC for showiung ideas and communications like this..

        Excellence is its own reward!

  4. Framer | Aug 17, 2003 09:32pm | #10

    I framed a few like that years ago and we extended the ridge out and also a header under the top plate. We also use a 2x sub fascia for extra support.

    The one job we did the header was burried under the soffit because of a steep pitch.

    The other time we did it, the header was lower then the soffit and we boxed it out with pine.

    Alot has to do what how your going to finish the exterior.

    Just a thought for you.

    Joe Carola



    Edited 8/17/2003 2:43:31 PM ET by Framer

    1. Piffin | Aug 18, 2003 01:21am | #11

      You're getting better all the time with these illustrations, Joe! A corbel or diagonal kicker would work too, if the wall studs are framed to resist the lateral load.

      Don't you just love it when an owner comes up with ideas like this in mid-flow, when you have to redesign the whole structure or sell her a skyhook?.

      Excellence is its own reward!

      1. Edgar76b | Aug 18, 2003 03:28am | #13

        I think I will have to stick with my outlooker plan. I have a 2 2x6's on the corners to mount braces I was looking at them today on different houses. Any one Know about any companys that sell pre-fab bracketts victorian style?. I guess i need them to beat least 3' x 3'. Probably They will be difficult to find. I will have to add a 3rd top plate and extend it 4 feet. Brace it under neath  add my sub facia. The existing soffit is 3/8th ply I don't reall care for it . if it were up to me I would doo the whole place over with somthing more fancy.Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

        1. MarkCadioli | Aug 19, 2003 11:24am | #14

          This is how we are tackling a Work in Progress right now. ( this pic was taken today) The overhang on this gable is a little over 1200mm which is close enough to your 4'. we don't use ply but use what I guess you call skip sheathing ( someone correct me if this not so ). with the outlooks screwed to the underside. In this case we are using 8x2 hardwood rafters, so in the case of the 4' overhang we have 2 rafters (24" OC ) to hang the outlooks off.

          Job to date is able to be viewed here http://quittintime.infopop.cc/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=sample&Number=6316&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=2#Post7062

          regards

          markquittintime

          1. MarkCadioli | Aug 19, 2003 11:43am | #15

            sorry..missed adding picquittintime

          2. shake_n_stir | Aug 25, 2003 06:41pm | #21

            Mark, by the looks of the trees I would guess you are in Austrila.   ????

          3. xMikeSmith | Sep 02, 2003 04:00am | #25

            you would guess right... mark's been standing on his head for a lot of yearsMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          4. Edgar76b | Sep 25, 2003 03:44am | #26

            Well heres a progress report for ya just put the skylights and felt down today, calling for more rain again, i swear i spend as much time covering the darn thing as i do working on it. i think i might be ok for this next batch of rain.probably oughta cover it anyway.

            lucky for me I had some garage door jobs to fill in.

             the overhang didn't budge in the huricane,  I am suprised at how strong it is when i walk on it. used all kinds of simpson ties , just in case. 

            i read somewhere that it i s better to use felt under cedar ? anybody?

            Windows comin soon , skylights went in painlessly, my valleys shed water. I know my felt job aint pretty but its right. I really don't like it up there sometimes. If i get paid i might buy a new camera.Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

          5. Edgar76b | Sep 25, 2003 03:46am | #27

            Sorry i thought I sent that to everyoneWhere there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

    2. Edgar76b | Aug 18, 2003 03:13am | #12

      thanks for the great drawings Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

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