How to Nail in Shed Roof Rafters
- 1). Test rafters to make sure they are cut properly before nailing any in place. Each rafter must have an angled end (called a plumb cut) which fits tightly against the ridge board (in the center of a gable roof) or the end board (on a shed roof). It must have a notch (called a birdsmouth) on the other end. The top end of the notch must fit firmly against the side of the wall cap, with the long angle tightly across the wall cap.
- 2). Nail gable rafters from one end of the roof to the other. Put two rafters in place, on opposite sides, at one end of the roof. Nail the ends to the wall caps and let the angled ends rest against each other. Move to the other end of the roof and install another pair of rafters. Then put a ridge board between the rafter tops; slide it up from the bottom. The pressure of the rafters should hold it in place while you test rafters and ridge board for plumb and level.
- 3). Nail the ridge board in place at both ends. Install other rafters, in pairs, 24 inches apart, down the roof. Make sure all rafters are plumb and the ridge board is level. Drive two nails in each rafter at each point, wall cap and ridge board.
- 4). Attach shed roof rafters by nailing one rafter into place along one side wall. Mark rafter spots 24 inches apart and nail other rafters in place. Drive two nails into the end of each rafter into the edge board at the top of the roof and the wall cap at the bottom.
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