Difficult Problems in Roof Framing

Mathematical Challenges

• Framing a roof thrusts you beyond the basic 90-degree and 45-degree angles of conventional wall framing. Most roofs consist of sloping, interconnected members that form triangles. If you're designing and building a roof without professional assistance, you might need to brush up on your geometry skills before calculating spans and cut angles for roof framing members. Although information regarding roof design and layout is readily available for study, many amateurs and professionals choose to perform complicated calculations on a construction calculator.

Layout Problems

• After successfully calculating the angle of a rafter cut, you must precisely transcribe the measurement onto a piece of lumber. No matter how precise your calculation, a mistake in layout can prevent the roof's components from aligning. For example, rafters' ridge cuts must have the same angle for roof sheathing to lay flat across the frame. Most layout problems result from unfamiliarity with layout tools. Carefully study the use of rafter squares and other layout tools before using them to transcribe precise angles and other important cuts.

Hoisting Materials

• Whether you're using prefabricated trusses or building rafters on-site, you must lift your framing materials from ground level to the top of the building. While commercial roofers have lifting assistance from heavy equipment, professional and do-it-yourself builders working on small projects must build custom rigs for hoisting or manually lift materials. If you're building with trusses, you can avoid dangerous lifting by hiring a delivery truck equipped with a crane. If you must manually hoist materials, prevent back injury by using safe lifting practices.

Working at Heights

• Hoisting materials is only the beginning of the roof installation's physical challenges; once you have materials resting on top of the structure's walls, you must tilt, align and fasten them. Lifting and maneuvering heavy framing materials at great heights requires complete concentration; falls from rooftops are unforgiving. Roof framing safety equipment ranges from ladders to safety harnesses, depending on the roof's design and height. Remember to carefully plan your actions before you climb to the roof; impatience and confusion can lead to disastrous mistakes.