Shed Dormer
#1
12-03-02, 11:20 AM
Shed Dormer
I have a 1 1/2 story Bungalow. The upstairs is unfinished right now. Before I finish it I want to put a shed dormer on the back. How hard is this to do yourself? Does anyone know of any websites/books that deal with this matter. I know that each house is different but I'm trying to get an idea of this project
Thanks
Thanks
#2
12-05-02, 11:50 AM
Member
Adding a dormer
Note: Adding a dormer is a multi-task project. This article is not intended to guide you step by step through the construction process but rather to give you and overview of what is involved and what you can do.
Adding a dormer to your home is a complex process that requires both skill and experience. It is not a job for an average do-it-yourselfer. However, you can cut significant cost if your contractor allows you to do some of the work and you are willing to take on specific tasks.
Some of the tasks you may want to take on includes:
Construction Cleanup
Finishing the siding
Adding insulation
Hanging the drywall
Finishing the roofing
Installing windows
Obtaining permits
Be sure to take on only those task you are comfortable doing and observe any and all safety precautions when working outside on a roof.
To begin your dormer project you may need a plan to present to your local building department. Once your plan is approved and permits are issued you are ready begin construction.
The dormer frame will require complex framing cuts. The best antidote for this complex framing process is to hire a professional framer who has experience and the skill to frame your project according to your plan. The frame should be constructed using HUD approved framing materials and local building code approved techniques.
After the dormer is framed and the sheathing is attached then roll up your sleeves and get busy. Depending on your skill and comfort level you can elect to complete the project or specific parts of it.
The first thing you will want to do is "dry-in" the dormer. Dry-in refers to the process of making the dormer water tight. The dry in process includes:
Installing roofing materials:
Felt Paper
Flashing
Shingles
Installing windows
After the dormer is dried-in move on to the siding. Before applying the siding you will need to wrap the sheathing with 30 lb felt paper or apply an appropriate housewrap. Feel free to visit our forums to discuss an appropriate wrap of your project.
Ceilings and walls should be insulated accordingly to your climate and drywall should be hung. Be sure to enlist a helper to help you hang the drywall. 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch dry wall is recommended. After the drywall is hung, and your joints are taped and sanded then move on to painting.
Prime your walls and ceiling regardless of the finish you intend to apply. Finally, paint, wallpaper or add paneling and any other finishing touches you desire.
How to Add A Dormer. Home Repairs & Etc. Retrieved 05 December 2002. http://www.repair-home.com/how_to/add_a_dormer.htm
Adding a dormer to your home is a complex process that requires both skill and experience. It is not a job for an average do-it-yourselfer. However, you can cut significant cost if your contractor allows you to do some of the work and you are willing to take on specific tasks.
Some of the tasks you may want to take on includes:
Construction Cleanup
Finishing the siding
Adding insulation
Hanging the drywall
Finishing the roofing
Installing windows
Obtaining permits
Be sure to take on only those task you are comfortable doing and observe any and all safety precautions when working outside on a roof.
To begin your dormer project you may need a plan to present to your local building department. Once your plan is approved and permits are issued you are ready begin construction.
The dormer frame will require complex framing cuts. The best antidote for this complex framing process is to hire a professional framer who has experience and the skill to frame your project according to your plan. The frame should be constructed using HUD approved framing materials and local building code approved techniques.
After the dormer is framed and the sheathing is attached then roll up your sleeves and get busy. Depending on your skill and comfort level you can elect to complete the project or specific parts of it.
The first thing you will want to do is "dry-in" the dormer. Dry-in refers to the process of making the dormer water tight. The dry in process includes:
Installing roofing materials:
Felt Paper
Flashing
Shingles
Installing windows
After the dormer is dried-in move on to the siding. Before applying the siding you will need to wrap the sheathing with 30 lb felt paper or apply an appropriate housewrap. Feel free to visit our forums to discuss an appropriate wrap of your project.
Ceilings and walls should be insulated accordingly to your climate and drywall should be hung. Be sure to enlist a helper to help you hang the drywall. 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch dry wall is recommended. After the drywall is hung, and your joints are taped and sanded then move on to painting.
Prime your walls and ceiling regardless of the finish you intend to apply. Finally, paint, wallpaper or add paneling and any other finishing touches you desire.
How to Add A Dormer. Home Repairs & Etc. Retrieved 05 December 2002. http://www.repair-home.com/how_to/add_a_dormer.htm
#3
12-05-02, 11:59 AM
Member
Building a dormer
You might want to stop by the library to see if there are any books on house framing. Many of the home centers have DIY books.
John D. Wagner's "House Framing" is a book written for those with beginning to intermediate building skills, this book is designed to walk you through the framing basics, from assembling simple partitions to cutting compound angles on dormer rafters. More than 500 full-color drawings. There is a chapter on gable and shed dormers.
240 pp., 8-1/2" x 10-7/8"
Book #: 277655
ISBN: 1-880029-98-7
UPC: 0-78585-02998-3
Price:
$19.95 (US)
diybooks.com
John D. Wagner's "House Framing" is a book written for those with beginning to intermediate building skills, this book is designed to walk you through the framing basics, from assembling simple partitions to cutting compound angles on dormer rafters. More than 500 full-color drawings. There is a chapter on gable and shed dormers.
240 pp., 8-1/2" x 10-7/8"
Book #: 277655
ISBN: 1-880029-98-7
UPC: 0-78585-02998-3
Price:
$19.95 (US)
diybooks.com
#4
12-05-02, 12:04 PM
Member
Building a dormer
Gable dormers are smaller pitched roof and wall units framed on top of the main roof. Shed dormers are built about the same but have a low-pitched roof. Gables add character and space to the roof level.
A gable dormer is framed by marking existing rafters and cutting out the area the dormer will occupy. The remaining outside rafters are doubled with same size lumber.
A doubled rafter header caps the cut rafters at the bottom. The front dormer wall sets on top of this header. The two side walls set on the doubled roof rafters. Top plates cap all three dormer walls.
A down-sized gable (end) truss sets flush on the top of the front wall. A dormer ridge board runs level from the gable peak back to the old roof surface -- or make a top rafter header if you have exposed rafters there.
Once that dormer ridge board is nailed in, each valley rafter can be cut. The valley rafters form the slope (valley) where the dormer roof meets the main roof.
Valley rafters go on each side of the dormer; between the point where the ridge board meets the old roof or top rafter header and the point where the side wall top plates stop.
After nailing the valley rafters to the roof/top header and through the side wall top plates, dormer rafters are bevel cut on the bottom, mitre cut on top, spaced on 16" centers and nailed to the ridge board and side walls.
If you have enough trusses exposed, additional jack rafters may be nailed 16" on center (o.c) to the back side of the valley rafters up to the roof's ridge board.
Some dormers may have added rakes and eaves to protect and decorate the dormers. A rake is built by nailing short perpendicular lookouts (16" o.c.) to the gable truss rafters. The lookouts are capped with fly rafters that run at the same angle as the truss rafters. A soffit board can be nailed on the bottom of the lookouts to finish off the rake.
Eaves are created by extending the dormer rafters past the side walls. Lookouts are nailed between the rafters and the side walls, and a soffit board nailed to the lookout bottoms completes the overhang.
Building a Gable Dormer. Framing Special Roof Techniques. HOMETIME.com. Retrieved 05 December 2002. http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projec..._6.htm#hiproof
A gable dormer is framed by marking existing rafters and cutting out the area the dormer will occupy. The remaining outside rafters are doubled with same size lumber.
A doubled rafter header caps the cut rafters at the bottom. The front dormer wall sets on top of this header. The two side walls set on the doubled roof rafters. Top plates cap all three dormer walls.
A down-sized gable (end) truss sets flush on the top of the front wall. A dormer ridge board runs level from the gable peak back to the old roof surface -- or make a top rafter header if you have exposed rafters there.
Once that dormer ridge board is nailed in, each valley rafter can be cut. The valley rafters form the slope (valley) where the dormer roof meets the main roof.
Valley rafters go on each side of the dormer; between the point where the ridge board meets the old roof or top rafter header and the point where the side wall top plates stop.
After nailing the valley rafters to the roof/top header and through the side wall top plates, dormer rafters are bevel cut on the bottom, mitre cut on top, spaced on 16" centers and nailed to the ridge board and side walls.
If you have enough trusses exposed, additional jack rafters may be nailed 16" on center (o.c) to the back side of the valley rafters up to the roof's ridge board.
Some dormers may have added rakes and eaves to protect and decorate the dormers. A rake is built by nailing short perpendicular lookouts (16" o.c.) to the gable truss rafters. The lookouts are capped with fly rafters that run at the same angle as the truss rafters. A soffit board can be nailed on the bottom of the lookouts to finish off the rake.
Eaves are created by extending the dormer rafters past the side walls. Lookouts are nailed between the rafters and the side walls, and a soffit board nailed to the lookout bottoms completes the overhang.
Building a Gable Dormer. Framing Special Roof Techniques. HOMETIME.com. Retrieved 05 December 2002. http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projec..._6.htm#hiproof
#5
12-06-02, 08:38 AM
Sawing the hole in the roof
This is very good information. I will look into that book.
I think I want to build a shed dormer, because this is in the
back of the house.
I have a book called
Framing, Sheating and Insulation
by Ramond P. Jones SR and John E. Ball
It's really old (1973), but shows some good techniques
I have another question:
How do I go about the demolition work on my roof?
I'll need a recipricating saw (sawzall).
How to I get that started? Drill a couple holes with a drill?
I want to build the dormer as large as possible. Should I cut the hole all the way over to the Main roof plate? Or should I leave a little roof on the sides.
Thanks.
I think I want to build a shed dormer, because this is in the
back of the house.
I have a book called
Framing, Sheating and Insulation
by Ramond P. Jones SR and John E. Ball
It's really old (1973), but shows some good techniques
I have another question:
How do I go about the demolition work on my roof?
I'll need a recipricating saw (sawzall).
How to I get that started? Drill a couple holes with a drill?
I want to build the dormer as large as possible. Should I cut the hole all the way over to the Main roof plate? Or should I leave a little roof on the sides.
Thanks.
#6
12-06-02, 03:15 PM
Member
Building a shed dormer
Whoa! I'm not a framing carpenter. You will get some professional advice from Doug Aleshire on the Architecture and Codes Forums. You might want to post your "architecture" questions for Doug. He's the expert.
The following link, although not a shed dormer, will give you some insight as how to begin with your 'demolition.' Photos are helpful.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_home_ext...398229,00.html
Copy and paste the address. Omit http: and . Sorry, but we currently can not post active links.
The following link, although not a shed dormer, will give you some insight as how to begin with your 'demolition.' Photos are helpful.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_home_ext...398229,00.html
Copy and paste the address. Omit http: and . Sorry, but we currently can not post active links.
