California Roof Framing Techniques - Fine Homebuilding (2024)

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When one roof is framed on top of another, already existing roof, this type of roof framing is sometimes called “California” roof framing. I refer to the roof that is framed first as the “existing roof” and the roof that will be framed on top of it as the “California roof”. Sometimes I sheath the existing roof before framing the California roof and also add a “flat valley board”, ( usally a 2″ x 12″ ) to nail the California jack rafters to. Other times, I nail the flat valley board directly to the top of the existing roof rafters and add blocking for the plywood at the valley.

I’d like some feedback from you guys who do a lot of this type of framing. Do you Always, Sometimes, or Never sheath the existing roof before framing the California roof? Is it required by the building codes in your area? Do you add a flat laydown valley board to nail the California jack rafters to, or do you nail them directly to the plywood sheathing? If you use a flat valley board, what type of stock do you normally use for it? Do you ever nail the valley board directly to the top of the existing rafters? If so, do you add blocking at the valley?

In your area, what other names are used for this type of roof framing besides “California”? Also, in south Texas, you don’t “sheath” a roof, you “deck” it. What do you call this process in your area?

California Roof Framing Techniques - Fine Homebuilding (2024)

FAQs

What is the simplest roof framing plan? ›

Gable Roof The gable roof framing plan is the simplest to develop, as shown in Figure 17-10.

What is California roof framing? ›

When one roof is framed on top of another, already existing roof, this type of roof framing is sometimes called “California” roof framing.

What are the 2 basic roof framing types? ›

There are two common ways of framing the roof of a house: with pre-manufactured trusses, or with rafters and ceiling joists, commonly called stick framing.

What type of roof framing is now used in most homes because it is generally more efficient than older stick framing methods? ›

Wood truss roof framing is now used in most new homes because it is generally more efficient than older stick-framing methods.

What is the easiest roof design? ›

The simplest hip roof design involves four sides that have the same pitch and rise to meet in the center. Hip roofs are more structurally stable than gable roofs, and their high wind resistance makes them a safe choice for places that deal with hurricanes and strong winds.

What is the easiest roof style? ›

Gable roofs are the most common type of roof in America. Though there are many variations of the gable roof, they all have one thing in common, which is their triangular shape. Gable roofs are known for their simple design, which is easy to build and cheaper than other types of roofs.

What are the three main basic parts of a roof framing plan? ›

Answer: Parts of a Roof A basic, conventional roof consists of rafters, ceiling joists, and a ridge board, as shown in Figure 17-3. More complex roofs include other elements such as braces, valley rafters and jack rafters.

What is a California Valley roofing? ›

It's sometimes called a “California-cut” valley. With the California-cut valley, shingles from the smaller roof slope are installed across the valley onto the adjacent slope. A valley shingle is then installed parallel to the centerline and offset a couple of inches.

What are the methods of roof framing? ›

Types of Roof Framing

There are two practices of framing a roof - stick framing, and truss framing. Stick processes are an older practice yet viral, and roof trusses are now being adapted to constructing new homes.

What are the systems for residential roof framing? ›

Depending on design, span, and other styling components, the roof framing may include ceiling joists, collar ties, ridgeboard, bracing, roof struts, outriggers, hanging beams and various types or forms of supplementary short rafters.

Are trusses better than rafters? ›

The triangular webbing pattern of roof trusses makes for a stronger, more load-bearing roof structure and roof deck that can support more expensive building materials. While rafters require additional support to keep the structure standing, trusses get the job done with fewer load-bearing walls.

What is the cheapest roof structure to build? ›

Flat roofs are very affordable, easy to maintain, and are very durable. Shed Roof: Shed roofs are extremely simple and cost-effective to build, and they fit in with the design and aesthetic of many modern homes.

What is the cheapest roof design to build? ›

The cheapest roof design is a roof with just hips, which are the sloping part, while the gable is the triangular bit on the end of the roof. A lot of subdivisions require a roof with hips and gables (rather than just a hip roof) so that is the most common form of roof construction.

What is the cheapest roofing structure? ›

Rolled roofing is one of the cheapest roofing materials, but it doesn't offer much aesthetic value. The large, thin strips offer a fast and convenient way to cover a sloped-roof building like a workshop where appearances aren't important. It can be applied either with the torch-down method or with roofing nails.

What is the cheapest roof design? ›

Gable Roof:

Gable roofs provide excellent drainage and ventilation and offer ample attic space for storage or additional living areas. They are relatively simple to design and construct, making them a cost-effective option for many homeowners.

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