roof 2x4 rafters. Is it possible to add a dormer?

rickmatthys

Hello all,

I'm buying a 1946 1 1/2 story house (23x45 rectangle) with a 9/12 pitch. I was surprised to see that the roof has 2x4 rafters, with a 5' knee wall and a collor tie near the ridge.

All the posts, articles, and books I've seen show dormers with 2x6 or greater rafters.

Do any of you know if its possible to add dormers with 2x4 rafters?

All input greatly appreciated.

AaronB

You, my friend, need a structural engineer.

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Brik

No, just a competent carpenter/builder.

I had this, the dormer had its own wall, below dormer, to transfer the load to the floor. Pretty simple if your design can accommodate it. Essentially, the knee wall returns into the dormer.

rickmatthys

Thanks for the replies. I stopped by and talked with buiding permit folks on the way in to work this morn.

I'm making a small shed dormer in back and small gable dormer in front. Looks like for the shed dormer, I can use Briks idea. For the gables, he wants me to sister the rafters with 2x6. I'll prob just sister the entire roof with 2x6 since it's a small house, and will help with insulating.

Thanks again!