Expanding An Existing Gable Roof

Look at a second floor addition in a more urban area with little opportunity to expand horizontally.

Expanding an existing gable roof.

It is not a job for beginners. For pitched roofs outriggers can be supported on the top of the gable wall end framing and extend back to the next truss or to a rafter. However for larger extensions you ll need to hire a professional to get up there and remove large portions of the roof before extending the overhang. One would consider adding a gable roof to an existing roof for the following reasons.

You will need building help and a large construction dumpster for debris. You may need a structural engineer to help with design of trusses and rafters. But it is important that the roof pitch is exactly the same as the existing roof because you will see it from one roof to the other if it isn t. Extending a gable roof can be tricky since it involves working on the roof but you may be able to do it yourself if you only need to add 1 2 2 inches 1 3 5 1 cm.

Where the overhang created is more than 450 mm and the roof is constructed with rafters the outrigger may need to extend back at least 900 mm. Slide flashing at least 4 inches under shingles on the existing roof and 4 inches down the new roof. Nail new corner trim boards at the corners and put metal flashing on the roof connection. It s simple yet pleasing to the eyes.

This may require removal of a second rafter. Tying a gable roof into an existing roof is a long expensive project usually undertaken only when there is a major addition or renovation to a house. If you re adding to the gable end of the house the side wall that goes up to the roof s peak it s fairly easy to extend the existing roofline over the new space says curt schultz a realtor architect builder in pasadena calif. In case you don t know what a gable roof is it s the kind of roof that s formed as two slopes meet at the top.

That s a simple low cost solution that can tie in well with the main house. A gable roof would make the new room appear like it s a natural part of your home. Install roofing to match the shed corrugated metal or oriented strand board osb sheathing and shingles. This is an especially effective strategy on a small lot and the addition is quite large.