Early 2008, we started to get really slow. We ended up with 4 custom homes and this was the second one of the year.
It was very fun to frame, especially the roof and the specialty framing. The roof is all hand cut and features a blend of I-joists for the largest spans and then 2×12 for everything else.
My crew also was responsible for the siding which was more nicely detailed and fun to work on. I built the gable vents and cut the corbels and the guys installed the shingles and it turned out great.
Like all Mascord plans I’ve worked on, this one was very well drawn.
I-joists are great to use for rafters because the roof ends up nice and flat. They weren’t too heavy either. They do take some planning and some extra prep work. I prefer to cut a bevelled plate to nail on the walls to avoid a birdsmouth and I prefer to lower the gable rafters and run the lookouts over the top of them.
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The plans called for trusses, but we priced out stick framing and the materials cost was very close. We have the equipment and the techniques to cut and stack very efficiently.
The main spans were very long, about 30' or so, so we used I-joists. This is the second roof I've used I-joists on and love it. They are light, straight but do require a little more prep.
The customer went for the idea of turning the entry into a barrel vault and the dining room a cove ceiling.
I've always wanted to build a dormer on the ground and lift it in, so I did on this job. The gables on the left were over framed onto the main roof after it was all sheathed. We framed it to the math, and it worked out perfectly.
The main roof was 8-12, but the front gables were all 10-12. Even with the split pitch, it all worked out on the money.
Lots of gables on this house.
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Have you tried using I-joists for rafters? I really like it. You have to have a structural ridge and either using hangers or run them over the ridge but then you have to block and strap.
I like it too because you have a wider flange for nailing.
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Tim - a word to the wise. You can't get points for complex framing and problem solving if you keep making it look easy!
I wouldn't say complex.
Have you tried using I-joists for rafters? I really like it. You have to have a structural ridge and either using hangers or run them over the ridge but then you have to block and strap.
I like it too because you have a wider flange for nailing.