Install First Set of Rafters
At 0:06 in
Got a spine and a ribcage up in the air!! This thing is really moving along!! #framing #deck
What happens here
With the ridge beam in place, begin cutting and installing the roof rafters for the first side of the roof. Each rafter (typically 2x6 or 2x8 treated lumber) needs to be cut to a specific length and with appropriate angles (birdsmouth cut at the bottom, plumb cut at the top) to fit snugly between the ridge beam and the outer support structure (e.g., top plate of a wall or ledger board). Workers lift each rafter, position it, and then secure both ends using structural fasteners. Maintain consistent spacing, typically 16 or 24 inches on center, as you work your way along the ridge beam.
Goal: Install rafters on one side of the roof, connecting to the ridge beam.
Tools and materials
- Air Compressor DeWalt — Powering pneumatic nail guns
- Circular Saw Milwaukee — Cutting rafters to length and angle
- Extension Ladders Louisville Ladder — Accessing the elevated roof frame
- Hearing Protection Howard Leight — Protecting ears from loud power tools
- Nail Gun — Quick and secure fastening of rafters
- Pencil Dixon Ticonderoga — Marking cut lines and measurements
- Safety Glasses Pyramex — Eye protection during cutting and fastening
- Speed Square Swanson — Marking cut lines and angles on rafters
- Tape Measure Milwaukee — Accurate measurement of rafter lengths and spacing
- Work Gloves Ironclad — Hand protection
- Rafters — Creating the angled support members of the roof