Constructing a shed, part 5

Because of the individual posts starting to add up, I'll try to get more pictures/info into each one after today....Anyway, here is how I build my rafters. This board that is hoisted high above the walls, is called a ridge board. It is what the rafters will connect to, and also become the peak for the roof. I had some thin pieces of galvanized metal leftover from a previous project, and they worked great for supporting the 1" x 6" board for me. Boy, a helper would be nice sometimes!
BTW, notice the cripple studs above the header for the door.....I'll try to get a better shot later.

Photo below - to keep the structure plumb, I installed a couple of kickers, then pounded the corner into the ground. I'll have to beef this up a little before the siding is installed on the walls.

Photo below - Here's the first rafter installed. The overhang will be trimmed to about 6" before going any further, because the scrap pieces will come in handy for "blocker boards", which i'll explain later.

Photo below - The cuts aren't perfect, but good enough for me.....(says EG, who isn't a real carpenter, but did stay at a Holiday Inn once or twice) Ha!

In this photo, you can see where I almost made a mistake, as you see by my extra mark. Boy, I'm sure glad it was checked before the cut was made! I don't have a board stretcher....heh. This little "notch" in the rafter is toenailed into place, and keeps the walls from spreading outward - from the weight of the roof. These cuts have to be precise, or it will look like a retard built it.

In my next shed building post, i'll install the blocker boards, remaining rafters, and also the collar ties. This construction is taking a long time to complete - especially since Jude keeps dropping her frisbee at my feet. God, she loves that thing! Heh. Anyway, as I said before....i'll start covering more ground in future posts.

Take care, and happy building!

EG