Roof framing question - 10x16 shed

I've begun my shed build which I'll post up in a new thread in the future. I'm in the process of ordering materials and I have a question regarding the framing of the roof.

The shed will include a shed dormer for aesthetic purposes and to allow some additional light in. I was originally planning on 2x4 framing for the roof, but have been waffling on perhaps using 2x6 instead. Right now, I'm planning on 16" spacing, but again, wondering about 24" spacing. The shed will be insulated and I understand that 16" spacing is easier to insulate. (I think I read that....)

So my question - do you think 2x4 roof framing is sufficient? or should I be using 2x6 to make it the strongest shed possible? I am in the pacific northwest, so no real snowloads to consider and it's in an urban setting, so minimal wind issues. Roof pitch is 8/12. I plan on using collar ties at 2/3 up to tie rafters together to maximize headroom.

Thanks everyone - I'm new at this, so really appreciate the help....

Matthew.

For reference, here's the Sketchup model that I've created to help visualize it

As small as it is 2x4 on 16 centers would be fine. Use a 2x6 for the ridge.

If you plan to tie the roof together, 2x4's would work. I always have to worry about snow loads here. I have a 10x12 here with 2x4's and it's starting to sag. . .need to tie the top chords together. . .

2x4 sounds a little light. i have no idea what your snow load is though. use a 2x6 ridge especailly 16'. i dont have my framing square handy but that sounds like each rafter would ~6, maybe another 6" depending on how much overhang you have. i think youd be really stretching it with that

2x4's 16 oc with 7/16 osb sheeting is more than strong enough, already said no snow load or wind shear. also he is tying it so it will be plenty.

I just shingled my garage roof with an 18' addition. My total is 12'W x 38'D. The original garage has 2x4, 2' OC, with no ridge beam. My addition is 2x4 with 2, 18' long 2x4 ridge beams. I didn't know it was supposed to be 2x6's until the inspector told me, but he said its all good. I used collar ties & have the s hurricane straps to tie into the top plate too. I used 3/4" osb for my sheathing but that was only to match the existing roof, could've used 7/16 or 1/2 & would've been fine. That's even on a 3/12 roof with a snow load in central Iowa. So 2x4's on 24" centers should be pretty good for you. Just my $0.02.

--Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk

I have a similare one here in VA using only 2x4 on 16" centers with a 2x6 ridge beam. I did use a hip roof which may be a bit stronger. No problems, even with a hurricane.

It's goofy looking. Why make a more difficult to frame, roof and seal structure?
Just put up a 12 to 12 pitch roof with rafters, collar ties and ceiling joists at 24"oc and be done with it.

I used 2x4s 24 oc for my 10x12 with a 8/12 pitch. Just be warned, sheeting and roofing an 8/12 on a small roof is tough. I spend a lot of time on roofs and it was sketchy for me.

I built them from scratch



I added a bottom chord for strength.

Synergy said:

I used 2x4s 24 oc for my 10x12 with a 8/12 pitch. Just be warned, sheeting and roofing an 8/12 on a small roof is tough. I spend a lot of time on roofs and it was sketchy for me.

Click to expand...

No kidding. We just built our shed and sheethed/Ice/Water shielded it and man was that pitch tough. We ended up getting our roofing stands/ 2x4 to get to the ridge. Was really sketchy and i slipped a few times.

As for the roof, we ended up doing 2x6's and 2x8 for the ridge. It worked out to be just a few bucks more and we have a super strong roof. We birds-mouthed each one and and ended up doing a decorative end so that also justified 2x6's.

Here's a few pics of ours going up ours is 14x12 with the 2ft bump out. Sorry to photojack your thread







underside with T&G pine for the exposed fly rafters



Sheethed Today and Ice/Water Shilded...WAY overkill for a shed but you know the saying

bczygan said:

It's goofy looking. Why make a more difficult to frame, roof and seal structure?
Just put up a 12 to 12 pitch roof with rafters, collar ties and ceiling joists at 24"oc and be done with it.

Click to expand...

I like how it looks (a 12/12 is way too steep for the neighbourhood and in no way resembles the architecture of our house) and I'm up for the challenge to make something unique and what I want. Sure, it's more difficult - I suppose if I wanted it to be easy I could just buy a plastic kit from HomeDepot, but what would be the fun in that? As far as more complicated, I'm not sure that it's going to be that difficult to seal, after all, it's just a simple shed dormer....and isn't that what this website is all about??

3pedalmini: I really like the detailing that you've put into your shed. Just a nice way to make it less 'shed' looking and more of a nice addition to the yard. Certainly sets the bar high...

Synergy: Really great pictures to help visualize how you built them. The bottom chord you have is what I was thinking of adding.


Thanks very much for the input everyone. It's really helpful getting input from all the more experienced ones on here.

Will update as I continue building...

M.

964haus said:

I like how it looks (a 12/12 is way too steep for the neighbourhood and in no way resembles the architecture of our house) and I'm up for the challenge to make something unique and what I want. Sure, it's more difficult - I suppose if I wanted it to be easy I could just buy a plastic kit from HomeDepot, but what would be the fun in that? As far as more complicated, I'm not sure that it's going to be that difficult to seal, after all, it's just a simple shed dormer....and isn't that what this website is all about??

3pedalmini: I really like the detailing that you've put into your shed. Just a nice way to make it less 'shed' looking and more of a nice addition to the yard. Certainly sets the bar high...





Will update as I continue building...

M.

Click to expand...

Thanks! what was supposed to be a simple shed has turned into more of a small house Im going to start a thread up with my build. The back of the shed where you see the two big openings, are both doors. One opening will be the standard barn doors and the second door opening (the bump out) will have a hidden door. The wall will be the door so it doesnt look like a wall of doors. Atleast that is the plan if i can engineer the door right

For what its worth i like your shed plan! the shed im building matches the house and another outbuilding adjacent to it. I think its important to match the style of your home, sure its alot more work then just getting a boring kit but once its finished its totally worth it

I really dont see an issue in sealing the shed dormer either, some flashing and your all set! I see your in canada, i assume you get alot of snow? if so i would just go with 2x6's 16" on center to be safe. Unless you go to HD and order some custom trusses ($$$$$) in the grand scheme of things its really not that much more, i think it worked out to be $70 bucks more for the 6's rather then the 4s. We also did 3/4 sheething on the roof not only to help span the thickness of the T&G boards but we have trees and they do drop limbs and. I just dont want a branch to go through my roof, and if one does at least i can say i tried to prevent it

3 Pedal,Thanks again for your feedback. I would love to see a build thread of your shed - there are so many creative and well executed details that I'd love to see more of. I think I'll go with 2x6 @ 16" OC given the little price difference and the peace of mind that I think it will give me. I'm sure it's overkill, but this thing needs to stay in place for a long time.

I am beginning construction this weekend, so I'll be sure to post pictures as I get them (and have time). Hopefully 2 weekends is all it will take for the majority of major construction and I can finish it slowly after that. Fortunately, my dad is spending a couple of weekends helping which is fantastic.

Thanks everyone! Much appreciated for feedback and all that I've learned in such a short time on this board. What a resource for us newbies!

Matthew.

I would go with 2x6 24" OC, in the long run it won't cost much more and it will be easier and cheaper to insulate using standard 23" batts. JMHO.