Gambrel Roof Connector Systems

If you plan on building and installing your own gambrel roof you ll have to draw out plans first to determine the proper dimensions.

Gambrel roof connector systems.

The upper rafters have a heel that raises the upper roof forming a fascia at the joint between the lower and upper roofs with the height of the heel dependent on the size of the upper fascia. The gm20 gambrel has a 5 12 pitch and 23 degree slope on the upper section and 7 12 30 degree on the lower section. A gambrel roof is a popular roof style on many contemporary barns and sheds. Maybe it s the pop of silver bolts on massive black steel plates against warm douglas fir timbers.

This gambrel roof fits in a semicircle and starts as the top half of an equal sided octagon. Simpson strong tie category roof truss and rafter connectors ties and straps for cold formed steel construction. The system was created so that people could work with steel lumber in their geodesic designs easily. If a gambrel fits in well with the historical character of the area in which you re building then it s a win all around.

These were designed for solid long term construction in areas subject to sever weather. The varied roof lines that are possible with stick frame homes can also enhance curb appeal and market value for some homebuyers. They can be used for any size of dome. The gussets top in the gambrel system above designed by the author create a three hinged arch out of each frame which simplifies the load analysis significantly.

Each hub has two connectors and the cold formed steel framing members are utilized for maxium strength of the structure. Move slider or directly enter angle to alter sweep angle of lower rafters and change the shape. Raised custom gambrel only the raised joint supports the upper rafters on walls with the lower rafters butted against wall studs. A gambrel roof on the other hand not only gives you very nearly a full second story but it also creates a small attic in the upper triangular portion of the roof where you can run wires and ductwork.

Hardware is required at only three points as opposed to nine different joints in the roof assembly of a traditionally framed gambrel making the system considerably easier to build. Gambrel roofs are symmetrical with two slopes on each side of the roof. Our newest connectors have been developed to make stick frame connections in roofs as intuitive as possible to ensure the construction of safer stronger homes. Or maybe it s the time worn character of rusty steel plates weathering beautifully against 100 year old.