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Adding an overhang or an awning to your roof can be a great way to add to the aesthetic of your home as well as create a little more additional shade from the sun. In order to do so, you’ll need to extend your rafters. It’s actually not extremely difficult to do, but it’s important that you do it correctly in order to be able to support the weight of any overhangs you install. To help you out, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that folks have about what it takes to extend your rafters.
Steps
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Remove any fascia or trim that’s covering the rafters. Your roof is covered by external trim and insulation. You’ll need to remove all of the material so you can access the rafters to install your extensions. You should be able to see into your roof from the outside. [2] X Research source
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Choose the largest lumber you can fit into your roof. The amount of space between the roof sheathing and the external plate can vary based on how your home was constructed. So choose the largest-sized lumber you can fit between the space to use as rafter extensions. [3] X Research source
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Nail lumber to the rafters so twice the overhang length is in the roof. Measure the length you want for your overhang and then double it to find the length of the lumber that you’ll connect to the rafters inside your roof. Cut your lumber to fit your measurements. Then, nail the lumber to your existing rafters so the overhang matches your measurements. [4] X Research source
- It’s important that your rafter extensions are a ratio of ⅓ external extension, and ⅔ internally connected to your existing rafters.
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Warnings
- Check your local building codes or neighborhood association bylaws before you start work extending your rafters. You could face a hefty fine if you violate the rules.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2001/05/01/adding-roof-overhangs
- ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2001/05/01/adding-roof-overhangs
- ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2001/05/01/adding-roof-overhangs
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ma23QueAwss?t=191
- ↑ https://youtu.be/UR0-aClFZ1Q?t=77
- ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2001/05/01/adding-roof-overhangs
- ↑ https://howtosquirrel.com/extending-a-roof-overhang-the-cost-and-how-to-do-it/
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