How-To: Calculate & Cut Perfect Rafters (Gable Roofs)

We're going to learn how to cut rafters, it's something many people struggle with. It's a simple process once you've got the math figured out. Let's get into it and show you guys how to cut a roof using a Tape Measure, Speed Square, Saw and fasteners.
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Introduction: 0:00 - 0:40
Getting Started: 0:40 - 1:05
Crowning Material: 1:06 - 2:10
Houzz Pro: 2:11 - 3:33
Pivot Point on Square: 3:34 - 4:43
Understanding The Roof: 4:44 - 7:05
Calculating Rafter Length: 7:06 - 8:14
Cutting Rafters: 8:15 - 10:08
Seat Cut of Rafter: 10:09 - 13:30
Installing Rafters: 13:30 - 16:40
Alternative Pitches: 16:41 - 18:56
Overhangs: 18:57 - 21:48
Collar Ties or Ceiling Joist: 21:49 - 22:31
Rafter Hardware: 22:32 - 23:53
Closing Out: 23:54 - 24:33
#construction #framing #building

[@SpecialAgentNoble77]

Great lesson. BUT WTF is up with everyone and tattoo's?? 🤷🏿‍♂ No judgies over here BUT .... I see videos like this and immediately pin them to my 10yo's playlist. Then I see all the damn skin graffiti. Now I'm torn with a double edge sword... Good seeding and bad seeding... 🤷🏿‍♂ Well at least I learned something I can teach him. #CocaineIsAHellOfADrug #DontDoDrugs #DontGetTattoos What you say in this video far out ways what is written on your skin. And that is there forever 🤦🏿‍♂ I'm just ranting, you'd be a great example for the youth minus the damn graffiti and you don't sound 🌈ish #Subbed 🤷🏿‍♂

[@MattBangsWood]

Never done cocaine, never smoked marijuana, never been hooked on meth, never been tattooed under the influence or with a drop of alcohol in me. Have a love for art, I enjoy making connections with the artists that tattoo me. I’ve been tattooed all across the US, it tells a story. You say no judgement but you’re full of judgement.. The difference is brother, regardless of what you are, the habits you have, my children will never look at you and think of you as anything other than another human being. Whereas yours are being taught to judge a book by its cover. Have a good day, hope you’re able to learn what I’ve shared in this video without being offended by my grandfathers coast guard portrait on my arm.

[@SpecialAgentNoble77]

@@MattBangsWood I'm old school... Not judging but don't want my kids getting tatts... Art belongs on the wall. 🤷🏿‍♂ And your grandfather should be proud.. and you honor him with your knowledge.

[@bradleylopez5860]

Dude safe your comments and don’t judge he is already setting a good example and not showing bad things

[@SpecialAgentNoble77]

@@bradleylopez5860 Still haven't explained the tattoo? 🤷🏿‍♂ and beyond... neck ear eye tattoos.... finger tattoos... Why? I get it... I had a choice to shower today... I passed.. It seemed a good idea at the time... But later turned out not such a good idea. 🤷🏿‍♂ Back in my day we spoke code through our vanity license plates. Now its personal art that can never be sold.. 🤔

[@user-or1rl2ml9m]

Some of the nicest, smartest, most compassionate people are covered in tattoos, myself included. Some of the most angry, judgmental, narrow minded, narcissistic people have bare skin and go to church every Sunday. Be better SAN77. Great videos Matt, keep up the good work!

[@BuilderMega]

Matt, I watched you for years. You’re an amazing person the world needs more men like you. Thank you for all you’ve taught me. This video just like the rest of them are all amazing and full of information.

[@MattBangsWood]

Be the change you want to see. In a world full of angry carpenters, be the happy one who helps others. 🤷‍♂️ Appreciate you for the years of support..

[@miketolson2915]

Thanks for the no, non-sense approach on explaining this to us newer guys to roof framing. Greatly appreciated brother.

[@BWIL2515]

One of the best explanations of roof framing I've seen seen on KZbin it's a simple process but some people make it harder than it is

[@austinryanrogers]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time! Cutting my first room for a shed I’m building and while I am an experienced carpenter I’m a novice with the construction calculator and this just made the roof 100 times easier for me

[@patrickjohnson7801]

I'm 68 now, started with S&S framing in 1976 with a father that started in 1946 with Kaiser community homes ( yes the car company built houses too) I don't know how old you are but I believe after watching your videos that there's hope in the framing industry and keep pushing forward and the only one little thing is that a rafter or joist is not supposed to be nailed to the pressure block it self it goes into the ledger or ridge on a 45 degree angle, that's where it gets the name pressure block. That's old school son but I don't think you're ever going to see that on a print today . S&S was building 900 home's a year back then.

[@feliperuiz3813]

Best how to Video on cutting common rafters on a gable roof! Love this series! Would like to see a video eventually on cutting a full hipped roof ! Thanks Matt!

[@phillycheee]

Thank you for being thorough but not overdoing it! Appreciate you showing a few different examples. Amazing thanks!

[@ajones2840]

Probably the most comprehensive video on this topic. Thanks bro

[@hu5tle-]

I know you're doing stairs next. Would be great to see how you calc out winder stairs that require a minimum of 6" depth for the winders themselves, per code.

[@Gomers66]

Definitely one of the best videos I've seen you make on the basics of roof framing matt! The only thing i think you could've done is shown how to get your run calcs for your rafters without using the calculator, like using the good ol framing square

[@justinmanship5431]

I think it would be interesting for many if you expand on this by adding some info on how to calculate ridge pole heights and explain HAP to people. That would wrap this segment up perfectly.

[@echologixxx9758]

Mannn this was on point, easiest explanation I've ever seen and just solidified and corrected what I thought I knew! A kind request on top of the future hip/valley video, can you make a stairs video as well? If you are looking for new content, one mystery I don't fully understand is how plans callout depth for insetting plating (to account for sheathing flush with foundation, exterior insulation + rain screen). If you can do an overview video of that sort of thing. Btw You sold me on those Ariat boots a few months ago ended up picking up a pair myself haha, keep up the good work!

[@MattBangsWood]

Let’s cover it all! I’ll bring this comment up in my next video.

[@307roofer2]

This is the best video on basic roof framing I have ever seen. Great work!

[@ApexFraming]

Great video. Would you make a video on how you square up a house for snapping out a new build?

[@seanmcguire833]

Great video would love to see a full roofing course

[@NortheastFrameGang]

Love the "Blue Collar Briefcase"...just purchased the framing rig in the camo high low...BTW, great video

[@MattBangsWood]

Any questions, feel free to ask.. The basic calculation is below: [OVERALL LENGTH OUTSIDE OF WALL TO OUTSIDE OF WALL] - [RIDGE THICKNESS] = [XXX] [XXX] [RUN] [PITCH OF ROOF IN INCHES] [PITCH] [DIAG] = [LENGTH OF RAFTER FROM HEAD CUT TO OUTSIDE OF SEAT CUT]

[@T_157-40]

I think my first novice project will be a doghouse.

[@tnine3]

Love that channel and the info, as a truck driver I’ll probably never use any of this but always good to know something new 🤘🏼😂

[@petee6476]

Excellent Explanation you make it seem so easy great job.

[@mellomao978]

Thank you for breaking it down!

[@wrinkledasian5206]

That background wall is a nice design.

[@MattBangsWood]

Thank you!

[@marka.crowley5584]

Very nice video...too bad I watched it after doin it the hard way! I appreciate your craftsmanship.

[@MrTexasDan]

Super clear and straightforward. Thanks a lot!

[@1671bryan]

Excellent job making a simple and easy to understand video. It is a very simple process but is very confusing for alot of people until you finally get it !! This is a perfect way how to just keep it simple. Great job matt🔥🔥

[@Blue60]

Fantastic video, and thanks for sharing and very informative Cheers

[@JD_on_the_Grind]

Great video and the new studio looks awesome!

[@daveryan7934]

Very nice video. Thank you

[@rubiosdevista]

Danm dude this video is 10 years too late for my shed build lol.. you making me want to tear it down and rebuild it

[@j_rockss8235]

Great video!!

[@leepattykelly2132]

Thank you, Matt! You are a complete stud!

[@davidemmons3867]

Awesome well thought out and explaiend video.

[@OperationDarkside]

Great video. Feels like a modern version of Larry Haun's tape about roof framing.

[@randomperson1815]

Wow this is very helpful.

[@johnowens178]

This is absolutely fantastic, thank you! Can you do a similar video on hip and valley cuts?

[@MattBangsWood]

Yeah, we’ll do a little hip / val section as well.

[@tinysand3517]

man, this guy reminded me my Algebra teacher in H.S. Good job bro. When are you going to have a tutorial for the hip roof?

[@MattBangsWood]

We’re in filming for both hips, valleys & stairs at the moment.

[@brucegorman1825]

Hi Matt I love your videos I can’t believe you put this up today , I’m raking my brain all day today I built myself a small shop in my backyard I’m to the point of doing the rafters for the overhang on the gable ends, when I put them in with the top level with the ridge they are not level with the lookouts if I place the beam higher then the ridge then the lookouts are now level with the top edge of the beam is this right ? I guess I could just cut off the top that sticks over the ridge. Help Im lost. And I have watched all your videos and for such a young age your the smartest guy I have ever seen your Dad should be very proud. I hope my question is not to confusing. br

[@steverm8389]

Hello i appreciate these vids. Any thoughts on adding blocking between rafters? Also any vids on replacing windows w stucco and sizing it correctly when ordering a window w stucco mould? Would love your thoughts on nail on not retrofit

[@scotttalkowski691]

Hey Matt, don't see the listing from Simpson Strong tie that you mentioned for hardware for this type of application.

[@AirsoftFun13]

How would you calculate an angle for a rafter on let’s say a 2/12 roof pitch tying into a 5/12 roof?

[@MarkSaccount]

Do you ever do your rise of the ridge and install that first?

[@steverm8389]

when measuring run, do you include sheathing thickness in the calculation for the heel cut? or is it just double top plate edge to edge? curious about how to include sheathing siding and order of operation in the setup? For example, if i build the walls for 12x14 and add the sheathing, do i measure w the sheathing for total rafter length for heel and ridge beam cut on a 8’ tall wall?

[@MattBangsWood]

You wouldn’t include siding, but you can add 1” for 1/2” siding on each side. 12’ being 144” + 1” for sheathing = 145”.. subtract the ridge of 1-1/2”, you have 143-1/2” divided by two to split it gives you 71-3/4” for your run. Note: when you account for sheathing as well, you need 6” on your seat cut, instead of 5-1/2”!

[@steverm8389]

Awesome thank you!

[@Derpherppington]

do u have to shoot nails perfectly in those holes in simpsons strong A35 ties? i saw other video they bend the tie underneath but you put them at the corner only

[@MattBangsWood]

Yes, A35 with positive placement nailer.

[@bryansherlin1914]

A video on bastards hip with different heel heights!!!

[@stevenyeo5481]

🤘

[@michaelmerced-gilardinodes7587]

Do you have a jack or hip-rafter video?

[@MattBangsWood]

Coming!

[@adrielmontiel1887]

Does it cost money to use the master pro calculator on the phone ?

[@kickyourfaceandlaugh607]

It’s better to have a actual construction calculator $50 calculator vs $1400 phone.

[@clydedecker765]

One thing that bothers me is that 4 3/8 clearance between the top plate and the surface of the rafter at the birds mouth. That distance is small compared to the thickness of some desired insulation. What kinds of consideration would you give to the materials used for ridge beam, rafters, and top plates?

[@MattBangsWood]

In most cases, you wouldn’t be building anything with 2x6”. It would likely be done with 2x10 minimum, meaning that number would grow substantially to around 8-3/8”.

[@brianstielow9169]

Can you go over this without a framing calculator

[@MajorJakas]

You sound like one of those people who enjoy finishing a job before you look for problems.

[@mykalimba]

You can do the calculations with a basic calculator (one that can calculate a square root), but it requires some basic algebra knowledge.

[@rubenvarela4077]

Or the blue book that comes in the square

[@waltk9067]

👍✌

[@Derpherppington]

are you affiliated to the Latin King gang. how do u calculate the ridge beam height . does this calculation works for hip roof? this is just in time for me to frame my hip roof to connects to old hip roof. thanks

[@MattBangsWood]

If you wanted to find the ridge height.. Take your run, enter your pitch and hit rise.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

What do I do when I can’t have a birds mouth and no overhang?. 2x6 rafter sitting on 2x4 wall

[@MattBangsWood]

I by can’t you have a birds mouth? Should still have one. If you can’t have an overhang, at the end of the seat cut, mark that line plumb up and cut it off. No tail.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

@@MattBangsWood well I’m not really sure something about a pivot point at the top plate? All walls are 8ft high, only one section is vaulted 2:12 pitch. I was told the 2x6 at a 10ft span would just sit ontop of a “second wall” built atop the level of the standard height walls? This is technically just ceiling framing as the structure is supported by steel. No weight of roof on the lumber?

[@chantzpetrie7515]

What I wanna know is how to make these calculations without a calculator

[@kevinparmelee5609]

A Swanson speed square comes with a little rafter book with all the calculations. You need to know the span and roof pitch and you can look in the book

[@Nutssofast]

Great video but heel not the part that is left above seat it is below. Whats left above is hap, height at plate...also good engineers arent using h1 or a35 anymore on rafter ties, they use plate screws now. Lastly i find Construction Calculators are cool to save time but get new guys in a world of hurt real fast when they dont understand trig...

[@hurshk1]

What’s the calculation for the 3/12 he was doing in the video? It’s been a long time. I was trying my darndest but without an angle in degree I’m pretty useless

[@Nutssofast]

@@hurshk1 any time you know the rise and run the angle is the tan^-1(rise/run).

[@hurshk1]

@@Nutssofast thanks man!

[@Nutssofast]

​@@hurshk1 I have a degree in math and have been building my whole life...I'll let you in on a math secret... 1/(cos(tan^-1(rise/run)) x projection = rafter Works on any common, hip, jack or valley. Projection is level from outside plate w/ ply to the plumb line of edge of ridge. Any questions I'll happily answer.

[@hurshk1]

@@Nutssofast awesome! Thank you sir. I work in oil and gas and use some math to do my job but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a classroom.

[@joehuinker7009]

Throw away the calculator and get out the framing square Matt. We learned that in trade school in 75 76. Oh that was in the 1900s

[@MattBangsWood]

We can do that for an episode, show how it’s truly done.

[@leizhang7415]

.

[@rarendsen9688]

Robert from Portugal, I love YAHUAH!!!❤❤❤ Again another reveal of them king-james LIES. Money make a lot of things possible in this world, why would I hate that??? YAHUAH, what can You do for me? My Father thank you for all the blessings you have given me already, I am grateful! Thank you Father for healing my neck injury. AHLALUYAHUAH!!

[@craigfinno551]

Wow matt got chubby

[@MattBangsWood]

Rough out here. Not 21 anymore, unfortunately.

[@kickyourfaceandlaugh607]

Shouldn’t you minus 3/4? Not 1.5

[@rob107]

I also have the same question

[@MattBangsWood]

If you take the overall run, side to side; and subtract the ridge in full you’d then divide by 2. If you take the overall run, divide by 2, then you’d only subtract half the ridge as you’re working with 1/2 of the overall.

[@tractorjeff6757]

Board. ridge board

[@dusty7264]

Fantastic video, most of the stuff out here uses trusses, nice to know how to calculate it.

[@MattBangsWood]

It's something everyone should know. Even if it's just for a filler section of a roof, being able to calc and cut them makes life so easy. I've worked with too many carpenters that would scribe things because they didn't know the first thing about calculating..

[@dusty7264]

@@MattBangsWood I agree, I know a old carpenter who can figure it all out with a Rafter Square, everything you need is right on the square, you can also draw Octagon, Hexagons and figure lots of other things with the square, he said when he was a apprentice the hard a entire class on how the to use. What you’re doing is great, we learned a lot from Larry Hauns books back in the day. Have a great day

[@1234567kko]

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