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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Extending overhangs on gable ends
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KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 18 Jul 2014 21:33 - Edited by: KinAlberta
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We're likely going to reroof our cabin this year and I've been considering adding eaves to the gable ends. The current ends have no overhang beyond the 1-2" of trim boards. I know the 'proper' way is to rip up the sheathing to the first rafter in from the walls and build out the overhang. However, I was wondering if I couldn't just make brackets or braces and securely fasten them to the studs in the gable ends add a rafter or two and then just sheath the 12-18" overhang itself. No opening up the existing roof.

Any thoughts?

Brackets a bit like the ones pictured on this home (fist pic)

http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/bungalow.html


Alternatively, I've thought of just trimming out the ends using 2x6s, or 2x8s, then stepping out with lesser dimensions say then covering the 2x6s with 2x4s, and lastly nice 1x4s.

My thinking here is that I'd get 4-5 more inches of overhang while making the gable end much more rigid in case a tree falls on the cabin.

.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 18 Jul 2014 23:28
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The brackets you refer to are usually called braces or struts I think, and the will work fine so long as you have good connections at all three points of the triangle formed, otherwise downward force on the roof will disconnect one of the three at least. Somehow you want to tie it to the original roof, straps, clips, rubber bands, paper clips, something. Just kidding. Whenever you just attach a new structure to another they need to be made as integral as possible to avoid separation.

KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 19 Jul 2014 00:40
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^ Funny. I started searching using "braces" and didn't get many hits on Google. "Brackets" did it.

I was thinking of doubling up the attic wall's studs and then attaching the braces with 10" bolts.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 20 Jul 2014 00:01
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Yes but you also need a solid connection to the roof diaphragm or the gable end wall and added eave can pull away, if you get piles of snow.

Ruggles
Member
# Posted: 20 Jul 2014 21:38
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In the words of my nephew, "Geez Uncle Jeff, just build some ladders the right length and screw them into the gable truss." Once I thought about it, that was a pretty simple and accurate explanation. Worked on our Colorado cabin.
Jeff
Gable Ends
Gable Ends


Don_P
Member
# Posted: 21 Jul 2014 07:10
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You will probably see many examples of craftsman roof brackets that extend beyond the overhang as a decorative detail. Keep them behind the fascia to avoid rot and tracking water back in toward the wall. I agree, while the roofing is off running some straps back to tie to the roof plane will make them stronger.

Attached is a pic of a bracket for a window cover, upside down but gives a basic idea of how to make a strong bracket. These were out of a rot resistant wood.
locust.jpg
locust.jpg


KinAlberta
Member
# Posted: 25 Jul 2014 16:45 - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Looks like I may not get the chance to do the brackets / braces though that would look really great.

So I think the most I'll be able to do is build out the overhangs a few more inches, and strengthen the roof as a bonus in case a tree falls onto it) with some 2x__s. I've seen a few pics of older homes with larger trim boards and it's not even noticeable.

Possibly a simpler cut...


http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/qa/building-shed-roof-canopy.aspx

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