The construction of gambrel rafters was done by tacking the members of the rafters against the existing gable end, adding the plywood gussets, then bringing the rafter to the floor to construct the jig (perfec fit). I designed the roof with 2 doghouse dormers on one side and a shed dormer on the other side to incorporate a garden door for a future deck from the second story. A ridge beam was required where half gambrel rafters and shed dormer rafters were fastened. The stairwell was moved from the existing house to the addition. Roof venting is provided through vented soffits, under roof sheathing (2 inch air space) and into the attic. Hot water heating was installed throughout with a wood/coal burning stove for a backup source of heat. I constructed the original house in 2001 and started the addition last summer. The work was completed on weekends with help from my family. I learned how to construct gambrel rafters and dormers from Fine Homebuilding articles. Plans for the original house were purchased from Archway Press.
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