Help With Extending Roof

[SDR]

Good question. I expect that blocking -- pieces of 2x6 cut to fit between the rafters and nailed to the horizontal plate below -- have not yet been installed.

SDR

[mx2]

The last image with the dutch gable (the modified proposed new roof) is not feasible...it's been fudged to make it appear it works but geometrically it's not possible. It's not physically possible. Try building it with cardboard that you cut the planes and glue together with regular white glue. You should find the eaves won't align or the front will be significantly lower than the main house. There are only two possibilities to make it truly be the entire front facade...either remove both smaller roofs and extend the main large roof towards the front of the house to cover the veranda/porch...or build a new flat roof above the porch. But in truth, I don't suggest any of the above or preceeding proposals...and I'm trying to figure out why you want to draw and spec such a thing without having any experience in such matters? You're setting yourself up for some serious liability issues. If for some reason you don't want to pay for a design professional, at a minimum hire a building professional. A contractor will design and build it for you and get necessary permits (if required). Best of all...you then get a warranty on the roof...

mx2.5

[SDR]

Not sure what mx means -- the photo is of an existing structure similar to the owner's, isn't it ? An oddity is that the extended roof appears to be slightly off-center (to the left of the main roof). I'm assuming this is not a manipulated photo; I wish the poster would answer the question of whether this is a neighboring house.

The variables are that the new extended roof, of whatever form, can be either the full width of the main roof, in which case you wouldn't see a transition like the one behind and to the right of the dutch gable in that last photo, or the new porch could be a little narrower than the main structure, with the roof also narrower by a couple of feet. The second option would be simpler to construct, and wouldn't require weaving the roof shingles into the existing ones (or re-roofing the entire house).

I very much second mx's advice about DIY versus seeking professional help.


SDR

[Rubicone]

This is a neighboring house to quell your curiousity. The large gable is off center and to the left. Don't know why that is, if it's for structural or aesthetic reasons. If a second gable is built rather than extending the large existing one, would it be best to have it to the left as the large one is, centered. or maybe to the right? The porch will extend most of the width of the house. A professional roofer will be hired to build it all.

[SDR]

Logic (and aesthetics) decree that the roof should rise from the shapes below it; note that the present gables reflect and relate directly to the living room (left) and porch (right). Because your new veranda will be symmetrical and centered on the house, so should be the roof, no matter whether you select the gable or the hipped version. The roof should not be arbitrarily "styled," and would likely not fit the house -- literally -- if it were.

The job of a roofer is the roof covering itself; he is not a carpenter or builder (normally).


SDR

[Rubicone]

So what in your view is the best option? (Incidentally this roofer builds roofs from the framing to the shingles.)

[mx2]

Sorry, that's what happens when I don't actually view the larger image...the thumbnail looked just like the original house that was Photoshop'd...but regardless, the gist of my ranting remains the same: it's not geometrically appropriate. In fact, SDR is making the same point (but more eloquently I see)...I wish I could post a sketch to show my point but my allowance ran out a year ago.

The roof of the neighbor is disheveled. It's awkward and multi-faceted. It looks like an afterthought...like another "woops...shoulda added a roof over here so let's just fudge it". Personally, I don't like the change of slopes (the bottom flare/double sloped roof) if it's not a colonial and square plan to begin with. The best way to approach an addition with roof is to simplify the entire thing, beginning with the roof. Once the roof is worked out, lay it out based on function and circulation, adjust roof as needed.

I'll put it in another way...the roof should look like it was part of the original house and the best way to do so is to construct it so it relates to the main roof in the cleanest, simplest and most seamless manner. There's nothing wrong with the offset ridge however then the slope of the offset roof should slope at the same angle and end in the same manner which should result in the roofline (the eave) not aligning with the eave of the main roof. That would be, in my opinion, the better solution. Here's an example:

http://www.thecompleteconstruction.co.uk/USERIMAGES/Image023.jpg

or like this:

http://otisbradley.com/fullsize/Moses/Aug07/FramedRoof.JPG

Here's an example (a bad one unfortunately but it gives the idea) of how a flat roof in front of the gabled roof would be like:

http://www.euromaintenancecy.com/images/Before.JPG

Anyway, sorry for confusion. And yes, many roofers should be capable of framing and decking as well, but there are many that only install roofing...roofing being the finish system over the wood deck. They will be quick to tell you if they can or can't provide what you seek. I recommend you get a licensed and bonded roofing contractor. Then get construction insurance yourself. Should anything happen...you want to CYA. Good luck!

mx2.5