FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Roof Framing Photo Contest

Craftsman Style roof presents some challenges

By Huck, member
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
CRAFTSMAN WITH A HANGOVER Here you see on display the muscular strength of the craftsman style, with the careful attention to detail manifest in the fit and finish.

At first glance, this didn’t appear to be a complex roof at all – just a simple gable over a small rectangular room addition.  Built in the craftsman style, ‘tho, it contained a massive amount of lumber.  The ridge alone must have weighed 500 pounds – it took a crane to set it in place!  And some complications arose that had to be solved in the field.  It was a project that would showcase my craftsmanship, and test my problem-solving skills.

In terms of craftsmanship, one of the primary issues was the all those exposed beams, corble braces, and rafter tails.  All that exposed woodwork was thoroughly sanded and pre-painted prior to assembly.  Each piece of wood was carefully studied so that its most visible side was the most attractive side.  Every joint that would be exposed had to be tight, so that it fit together just like it grew that way.  Lag bolts were countersunk.  Out of respect for the craftsman style, sloppy workmanship had no place on this project.

While not specifically called for on the blueprints, a gable end vent was clearly in order for in our hot, dry Southern California climate.  The existing structure had an off-the-shelf vent that matched the slope of the roof, but looked awkward behind the craftsman style truss bracing that obstructed it.  So I designed and site-fabricated some custom gable vents, to fit between the truss bracing on the gable end, involving numerous compound angles.  The end result was efficient, attractive, and harmonious with the craftsman aesthetic.  I felt justified when a later tour of Greene and Greene’s masterpiece Gamble House in Pasadena revealed a remarkably similar gable vent.

In terms of problem-solving, there were two big issues that had to be dealt with.  First involving the support of the ridge beam and a portion of the roof of the existing structure, and secondly, involving a cantilevered beam (off a corner of the building) that carried a hefty portion of roof.  Neither had been addressed adequately on the plans.

A massive glue-lam ridge beam was specified on the blueprints.  At the gable end, it was bearing on the 2×6 exterior wall of the addition, which was more than up to the task.  But on the other end, where the addition tied into the existing structure, the architect had specified…nothing!  I met with him prior to construction, and suggested an engineer review that aspect of his design.

His response was to inform me that no engineering was required on an addition of this size – end of conversation!  So I was on my own there.  I added a glue-lam beam, to carry the other end of the ridge beam, and to carry that portion of the existing roof that bore on the wall section being removed.   I also created a triangular “truss” of framing members through-bolted together, to create a strong mid-roof brace.  And purlin bracing, with kickers down every 4 feet to a bearing wall, along the entire length of the roof.  I like to sleep at night without worrying about my work falling apart, so all was assembled and braced with “overkill” as my guiding principle.

The cantilevered beam at the corner was another issue.  Once construction began, I stood on the beam at the corner, and it was very obvious that my roof had an achille’s tendon – the corble brace supporting it, in itself would not be enough.  I wrestled with the dilemna, and finally devised a solution involving metal straps, through bolts, and plywood shear panel, all of which would serve to anchor the end where the uplift wanted to occur…all the way down to the anchor bolt in the bottom plate.

In addition, a large section of stuccoed soffit also bore on the beam.  So in that case, I ran the ceiling joists of the soffit back into the existing structure twice the distance of the overhang.  Since the outboard edge of these terminated in a doubled rim joist, I tied that up to the massive ridge beam above with metal strapping.  When all was said and done, I don’t think that beam deflected an eighth of an inch!

Overall, the project was a resounding success, although garnering little appreciation from the client (or maybe he just had an odd way of showing it!).  At one point, I was informed in less than cordial terms that I must be making too much money, because he thought I was going to hire a bevy of subcontractors to do all the work, like the builder of the original house did – but (shame on me) I ended up doing most the work myself!  Ah well, such is the unappreciated lot of the craftsman.  I took comfort in the thought that Charles and Henry Greene, whom contemporary records show had plenty of experience dealing with difficult clients, would have understood my frustration.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. GHarmon | Aug 10, 2009 10:53am | #1

    I've been designing houses for over 24 years and must congratulate you for doing what the architect should have done with regard to load conditions.

    I've seen this happen a lot. Very few want to get out in the field and get dirty.

    And the client didn't appreciate it huh? But boy would they complain if the roof sagged after a couple of years. It's just the nature of our business.

    Very nice job.

  2. Huck | Aug 12, 2009 01:03pm | #2

    Thanks GHarmon for the kind words! When some problems arose with a door that the architect spec'd (and which the h.o. didn't like), the h.o. tried to come after me to pay for a replacement. I told him I just ordered and installed what was spec'd, asked why he didn't contact the architect about the problem. He said he didn't want to call the architect, because he charged for phone time! Easier to go after the nice guy on the jobsite, I guess. People are funny.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Roof Framing Photo Contest

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Scaled to Suit the Site

This thoughtfully designed home preserves the character of its neighborhood while maximizing space for a growing family through careful attention to scale, rooflines, and material choices.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data