Expanding An Existing Gable Roof

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.

Expanding an existing gable roof.

A gable roof would make the new room appear like it s a natural part of your home. 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. 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. Nail new corner trim boards at the corners and put metal flashing on the roof connection.

It is not a job for beginners. One would consider adding a gable roof to an existing roof for the following reasons. 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. That s a simple low cost solution that can tie in well with the main house.

Slide flashing at least 4 inches under shingles on the existing roof and 4 inches down the new roof. This may require removal of a second rafter. 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. You may need a structural engineer to help with design of trusses and rafters.

A stick framed roof with an attic has room to expand a dormer for example might create the additional space you need. It s simple yet pleasing to the eyes. 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. This is an especially effective strategy on a small lot and the addition is quite large.

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. A truss framed roof on the other hand doesn t have any attic space to expand you re probably going to have to raise a truss framed roof to get more space. With the roof pitch the same it doesn t matter if the new addition is slightly off in height or lined up front to back because you re going over or under the old roof. You will need building help and a large construction dumpster for debris.