| ing is the key when taking on a project that | | | | the loosened piece and use an adjacent rafter as |
| involves removing your roof. | | | | a fulcrum. Push down on the 2x4 and up comes |
| Before you plan your 2nd story, research what | | | | the plywood and shingles. This same procedure |
| obstacles will need to be dealt with. Examples of | | | | works with trusses also. |
| items that need to be addressed are: | | | | If the roof sheathing is planks, the cuts should be |
| - Size of ceiling joists, can they support a 2nd | | | | made 48" to 64"apart. If there are 2 or mre |
| story floor? | | | | layers of shingles, you should be able to roll these |
| - Are mechanicals run over the top of existing | | | | sections down the rafters. |
| ceiling joists? (plumbing, electRic, HVAC) | | | | Once the roof sheathing is removed, the rest of |
| - How much overhang is on existing roof and are | | | | the components canbe removed. If the soffit and |
| there any utilities fastened to it. | | | | fascia haven't been removed yet, thisis another |
| - Is the existing roof stick built(built on site) or a | | | | opportunity to do so. Once that is gone the |
| truss roof(manufactured). | | | | rafters can be removed. The rafters can be |
| - Is the roof sheathing 1x boards or plywood? | | | | detached from the ridgeboard by using a |
| - How many layers of shingles are there? | | | | sledgehammer or a sawzall. After they are loose |
| - Are there any Stacks or flues protruding | | | | from the ridge, they can be twisted off the top |
| through the roof such as a fireplace chimney, | | | | plate. |
| furnace flue, or vent pipe. | | | | Trusses can be a little trickier. After the sheathing |
| These things need to be considered so the | | | | is removed,most of the truss work will have to |
| addition can be built as quickly as possible. | | | | be cut out. The only part left would be the |
| When starting the tearoff, the first thing that | | | | bottom cord that holds up the drywall ceiling. |
| needs to be addressedis the soffit. Removing this | | | | Since most of these cords are 2x4's, larger 2x |
| first will free up the rafter ends when it comes | | | | lumber will have to be sistered alongside for |
| time to remove them. Sometimes utilities like the | | | | added support. As long as there are bearing walls |
| phone and electrical lines are attached to the | | | | below, this 2x lumber could be 2x10's, 2x12's or |
| soffit. These should be moved by their respective | | | | engineered lumber such as I-joists. Each situation |
| utility company. | | | | is different and what is used is spect by an |
| Now you can tearoff the roof. The easiest way | | | | engineer or architect. |
| to remove the shingles and sheathing is with a | | | | In most cases, the electric (conduit), plumbing and |
| circular saw. It's best to use an old blade with a | | | | or HVAC run over the top of the ceiling joists. |
| lesser amount off teeth because it will be trash | | | | Usually, the easiest way to deal with this, is to |
| when you are done. | | | | build a knee wall high enough for the new floor |
| When cutting the roof away, start at the | | | | joists to clear these obstructions. This makes the |
| ridgeboard and run the saw between the rafters | | | | second floor deck higher so it will make your stair |
| all the way to the rafter tails. Repeat this cut | | | | run longer. Making sure you have room for the |
| every 32" from one end of the roof to the other. | | | | stairs in this instance is another consideration. |
| These pieces, assuming they are plywood, can be | | | | Once the deck is down, the walls, ceiling joists, |
| removed in 32"x 48" squares. There will still be | | | | and roof of your new addition can follow. |
| some weight to these pieces but this will make | | | | Whatever situation might you have, good planning |
| them more managable. Working from the ridge, | | | | will make this taskeasier and quicker. Time is of |
| these squares are loosened with a sledgehammer. | | | | the essence when it comes to removing a roof. |
| Once there is enough room, you can use a prybar | | | | You want to protect the existing structure and all |
| to free them from the rafters. My favorite | | | | of your valuable possesions that are left inside. |
| technique is to use a 6 to 8 foot 2x4. Slip it under | | | | |