Timeline for Is it ever okay to cut roof rafters without installing headers?
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
20 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2023 at 18:00 | comment | added | Jim Stewart | Avoid a hasty "improvement" to this installation that might make it leak or damage it. | |
| Apr 8, 2023 at 17:36 | comment | added | Jim Stewart | Another possibility for fastening headers in this case is long structural screws which are designed for retrofit connections, e.g., retrofitting uplift resistant connections between rafter ends and top plates. With the skylight already in place it might be difficult or impossible to fasten the headers using standard joist hangers. I think Simpson makes such screws. One thing though would be to cut the stringer length to be a good fit but not so tight that forcing it in would distort the box of the skylight, and not so loose that tightening the screws would distort it. | |
| Apr 8, 2023 at 16:05 | comment | added | supercat | I don't know why you say "still" only 2x4. Older construction was based on the idea that certain size members can be used in certain applications without having to perform load calculations, while newer construction uses load calculations to allow the use of minimal-cost members. I'd be more worried about cutting one 2x4 than about cutting a pair of adjacent 2x12s, since construction using 2x12s is likely to have stronger roof decking than one using 2x4s. | |
| Apr 8, 2023 at 15:09 | comment | added | Jim Stewart | Installing a header here means two different connections--one is the header to the cut ends of the rafters, the other is the connections of the ends of the header to the sides of the uncut rafters. Looks like hangers would work and maybe be best. Angle connectors might also work. This is a decision for an experienced framer or engineer. | |
| Apr 8, 2023 at 13:16 | comment | added | concerned in Toronto | I don't see how the Simpson LUS24-2 hangers will work. They would have to be lying on their side in order to be able to screw them into the vertical rafter--the 2X4's are lying flat so they will not be 'hanging' in the hanger. So it makes more sense to use corner angles like the Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX Galvanized Angle | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 23:12 | comment | added | Aloysius Defenestrate | Simpson LUS24-2 hangers are what you want here. A real lumberyard will at least be able to order them in, if not have them in stock. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 22:22 | comment | added | concerned in Toronto | Actually, in thinking about it, I don't see how joist hangers can work. The header will be two 2X4's lying flat, butting up against the vertical rafter which is 4 inches wide, so it's 4 inches against 4 inches. I think corner angles might be the answer @Jim Stewart. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 22:11 | comment | added | Jim Stewart | Simpson Strong Tie offers screws for some connectors. Would those be easier to use and less likely to jar loose drywall? Does the OP need joist hangers or simplly corner angles? | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 20:24 | comment | added | concerned in Toronto | isherwood thank you for the joist hanger suggestion. I was thinking they'd just toe-nail which wouldn't be ideal but joist hangers solves that problem. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 20:21 | vote | accept | concerned in Toronto | ||
| Apr 7, 2023 at 20:00 | comment | added | isherwood | Given what I said about the old-school framing, not really. The decking adds a lot of strength. I kinda doubt that's practically feasible anyway. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 19:53 | comment | added | SteveSh | You don't think it's necessary to double up on the rafters on either side of the opening? The ones to which the headers are going to be fastened? I assume OP is in Toronto from his name, so snow loading would be a concern. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 19:02 | comment | added | Aloysius Defenestrate | It’s good you haven’t paid. Continue to not pay until this is resolved to your satisfaction. The only circumstance I can imagine where this would be acceptable is if there were purlins (perpendicular beams underneath the rafters) very close to the top and bottom of the new hole. Don’t hesitate to threaten with the possibility of building inspectors. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:49 | history | edited | isherwood | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
added 101 characters in body
|
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:41 | history | edited | isherwood | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
added 395 characters in body
|
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:39 | comment | added | isherwood | Ah, so it's a hot roof. That should be in your question. | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:38 | comment | added | concerned in Toronto | Thanks for your helpful reply. Unfortunately there's no way we're going to go up and walk on this roof. It's steeply sloped and difficult to access. We also can't take a 'good look' into the attic since there really is no attic, the drywall is on the rafters, creating the living space on the third floor. I think I will contact the roofer and try to get them to install headers. The work was just done yesterday and I haven't paid them yet! | |
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:33 | history | edited | isherwood | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
added 104 characters in body
|
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:26 | history | edited | isherwood | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
deleted 8 characters in body
|
| Apr 7, 2023 at 18:21 | history | answered | isherwood | CC BY-SA 4.0 |