How should I build the roof of this shed?
Question:I'm building a 10'x12' shed and am ready to install the roof. I've been torn between using trusses, or building traditionally with a ridge board and applying rafters one at a time.
If I go with the traditional ridge board style:
1) what size rafters and ridge board must I use? Can I get by with 2x4 rafters and a 2x6 ridge board? btw -walls are built 16" oc so I would build the rafters same spacing.
2) Do I need to install ceiling joists, or is the shed small enough that joists are not necessary?
btw - it doesn't snow where i live so excess load isn't a factor.
Answers:
2x4 @ 16" O.C. have a span of 8'-9" for light roofing material w/o ceiling (gyp. bd.). The ceiling joists, among other uses, work as a drag strut to keep the top walls from spreading out due to load of roof. Even though your shed is only 120 sq. ft. you might consider placing at least one 2x4 ceiling joist (strut) mid span. The CBC and UBC require a ridge board to be one size larger than the rafter...
Good luck.
You can use 2x4's and you don't really need the ridge board, but you can certainly use it if you want to. 24" centers is fine. Once again you don't need joists, but they sure make it easy if you want to store things on top of them.
Why not make your own trusses?? It's simple enough, use 2 x 4's for the ceiling joists/rafters, make a pattern for each one, cut a sufficient number of joists and rafters then nail together using 1/2" plywood gusset plates at the joints. I've done this for several shed projects and it worked fine. Secure the gusset plates with 1" roofing nails.
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