? re: rafters & blocking (pic added)

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Hi,
I 'm building a run, half covered, half uncovered. I've finished the covered section which I did use blocking for. The uncovered section is 8 x 9. It's 7 ft. in the front and 5'8 in the back. I have a 2 x 8 rafter at the end of the covered section where the uncovered section starts. No post in the middle. I have a post in the middle at the other end. I'm using 2 x6's 24 OC in case I want to add corrugated roofing down the road.

We have very high winds. I'm wondering if I should be blocking between the rafters on the open run. It will cause the wind to catch the roof as it's facing straight into the wind. I'm planning on putting wire on top, or even just netting, to keep hawks out. I thought about angling the blocks so the wind rides around them.

Do I have to have the blocking? If i attach them at an angle will it still serve the same structural purpose?

Thanks! p.s. One of the rafters on the right there is missing, it was bowing so I took it down to see if I can get it to straighten out. You can see the hanger on the back 2 x 6 where it goes. So three rafters across the middle, attaching to the top of the left side and on the underside of the 2 x 8 on the right side. Makes sense?

 

[mommissan]

I'm trying to picture this. I imagine the blocking (perpendicular) makes it more structurally sound and a necessity. I hope someone has an answer for you.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Okay, I know someone out there can answer this for me!! To block or not to block. . . . that is the question!

 

[mommissan]

I think the blocking is necessary for rigidity since it's a fairly long span. I don't think the blocking will catch too much wind since it still looks very open. Angles might work very well. That's a gorgeous coop too. Envy...... I'm not an expert but maybe someone else might have better insight?

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I think the blocking is necessary for rigidity since it's a fairly long span. I don't think the blocking will catch too much wind since it still looks very open. Angles might work very well. That's a gorgeous coop too. Envy...... I'm not an expert but maybe someone else might have better insight?

Thanks Im a housewife, first time I've build something like this. I'm making it up as I go along. I rely on folks here to help me figure this stuff out. I guess I'll need to add one more rafter then under the 2 x 8 there on the right. I hadn't planned on it, but there'll be nowhere to attach blocking to if I don't since the 2x6's are lower than the 2x8. Here's a link to a better picture of the entire project. I enjoy your sig line. I love power tools. I use them a lot more than DH and I'm getting pretty good at it. It would have been better to do this in the spring when I'm not so stressed about the weather though. Wish you were my neighbor...we'd have this done by now. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/590115/picked-up-cl-coop/10#post_8326412

 

[hemet dennis]

The only thing the blocking does is keep your rafters from bowing and it wont catch more wind.
So put the blocking in. For the blocks measure at the end of the rafters not in the middle.

 

[mommissan]

You're doing great, better than what I could do on my own. I can't wait to see the finished product. DH builds homes, leaving lots of surplus building materials scattered about and he gets nervous when I start rummaging. I would LOVE some unsupervised time home alone to try to build one myself, but he's always got to help (fix/prevent my messes). Lately, he just covers his eyes and walks away.

 

[hemet dennis]

For some reason it wont put my edit in my other post.

But you should add the blocking and measure for the blocks at the ends of the rafters so they wont be bowed.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

For some reason it wont put my edit in my other post.

But you should add the blocking and measure for the blocks at the ends of the rafters so they wont be bowed.


                                                             

Thanks . . I didn't know that. Geesh! I sure hope this thing will be standing next year!

 

[hemet dennis]

Thanks . . I didn't know that. Geesh! I sure hope this thing will be standing next year!

Oh it looks like it will be standing for years. and you don't need another rafter just turn the piece of blocking so it is flat so that you nail to the bottom of the 2 x 8. Get what i mean ? If the wind is most of the time from the same direction you can make that side solid, and if you only want it blocked for part of the year make a wall of straw bales.