The roof is where snow and wind loads get serious, and where a first-time builder is most likely to get hurt. These guides explain how trusses and rafters work, what pitch and design loads mean, how to set trusses safely, and how the roofing layers go on — including why roofing was the one big job I hired out.
Roof Framing Basics: Trusses vs. Rafters
Pre-built trusses or stick-framed rafters? How each system works, the common truss shapes, and how the choice affects cost, ceiling height and your garage doors.
3 min read
Roof Pitch, Snow Load & Wind Load Explained
What “6/12 pitch” means, how to choose a roof slope, and why snow and wind loads drive the size of everything from trusses to anchor bolts.
2 min read
Setting Roof Trusses Safely
How to lift, space, brace and fasten roof trusses — and why the first truss and the temporary bracing matter more than anything else on roof day.
3 min read
Roof Sheathing, Underlayment & Roofing
From the deck up: roof sheathing, drip edge, ice and water shield, underlayment and shingles or metal — plus why I hired a roofing crew for this part.
3 min read