Cutting Valley and Jack Rafters for a Gable Dormer Ep.76

Summary by Krater

The host builds the final section of a roof on a new house, explaining how to frame a gable intersecting a steep-pitched roof and how to cut and install valley jacks.

From the video

Answers: How do you frame a gable dormer roof and cut valley jacks?

• Roof framing
• Gable dormer construction
• Valley jacks layout and cutting
• Using a framing square for roof pitches

What it concludes

• Valley rafters must be in a straight line from the ridge pole and beam intersection to the fascia board intersection.
• Building a true valley is much easier and more accurate with dimensional lumber rather than I-joists.
• Valley jacks should be cut in pairs because they happen in pairs for opposite sides of the ridge.
• Using symmetric pitches around the centerline makes your jacks ambidextrous and eliminates the need to keep track of left and right cuts.
• Cutting valley jacks slightly long and trimming them to fit ensures a tighter and more precise fit.
• Shims used in framing must be strong enough to resist the load, just like every other framing member.