Roof Ideas

[rac]

Been looking on forum for a year getting ideas to build garage.Started in Nov.last year.Was going to use overtime money to build so wouldn't get in bind with bills.Work for D**TA FAUCET and this summer with houseing market the way it is here no overtime.
Have 2x6x12 walls up on 3 sides of a 28x32.Hard to put up by myself but can do.Now here is question.Priced roof trusses and they want $1000. for 16 4/12 pitch trusses.Am trying to spend $75 to $100 a week or two.And I don't think I can raise a 28 foot truss by myself. Am 55 years old.
Other way I was thinking was to mount a center post and use 2x12x 16 down the center and use 2x6x14 for rafters.I think I can handle this.
Any body have a better idea?Don't like a center post but right now all I can think of.Thank for any input and really injoy this forum.

 

[akdiesel]

You want to tackle a roof project on your own?
I am not trying to say your old but even a 20 somthing person is going to have trouble by themselves.

 

[kbs2244]

I would go with the post and the old style rafters with a ridge board.
You can do it at your pace and money availability.
People have been living with a post for generations.
Unless you are building boats or airplanes it will not be that big a deal.

 

[Brad54]

Look at the classifieds, Bargain Shoppers, Craigslist and such to see if anyone has trusses they've bought, but now can't use.

Also, could you build your own trusses for less? My shop is 32x40, with simple 2x4-constructed trusses. They're really simple...seems like anyone should be able to make their own using some books from the library or Home Depot as a guide.

Getting them up off the ground and into place won't be easy, but if you've got a few friends, I'd think you could do it.

Buying 2x4s and the perforated metal plates and nailing them together yourself would have to save huge money. You can take those savings and buy a nice compound miter saw to build them.

-Brad

 

[Kevin54]

Been looking on forum for a year getting ideas to build garage.Started in Nov.last year.Was going to use overtime money to build so wouldn't get in bind with bills.Work for D**TA FAUCET and this summer with houseing market the way it is here no overtime.
Have 2x6x12 walls up on 3 sides of a 28x32.Hard to put up by myself but can do.Now here is question.Priced roof trusses and they want $1000. for 16 4/12 pitch trusses.Am trying to spend $75 to $100 a week or two.And I don't think I can raise a 28 foot truss by myself. Am 55 years old.
Other way I was thinking was to mount a center post and use 2x12x 16 down the center and use 2x6x14 for rafters.I think I can handle this.
Any body have a better idea?Don't like a center post but right now all I can think of.Thank for any input and really injoy this forum.

You could always build a roof "pole barn style". Look at a Cleary building if any are around your area. A 40' building might have 5 trusses, then 2'x4''s on edge across the trusses. Then a metal roof on top of those. Simple but effective. Then on the other hand, what is the possibility of getting someone to help you raise the trusses. Less than an hours work and you can have them set. The worst ones are the last two on one end. Start by putting your trusses in the garage upside down. One persone on each end on a step ladder and you can swing the truss around, then set it. I like to fasten hurricane plates for the truss to set in first, swing the truss up, lift one end then the other and set them into the tie. By putting the hurricane ties up frst, your center to center truss dimension is already established. The last two one one end can be propped agains the garage wall then lifted by a rope on each end then set.

 

[hidollartoys]

RAC, your idea for the roof is spot on. However you will want to consider rafter overhang and true rafter length so your rafters should be at least 16' long. A 14' wide building will require a rafter longer than 14'. As for your ridge board you will want to consider gable overhang. If you use rafter hangers on the ridge board it will be easy to assemble yourself.

Trusses are a less expensive alternative but require at least 2 people to raise. You might buddy up with a local boom truck guy that can stop by one afternoon and set them for you. Or a sign guy with a sign hanging truck could also help. maybe the driver could be coaxed with a small monetary infusion.

If you are truly by yourself rafters are the best option.