On a cold January day the first common rafter was hoisted up into position, clamped and pegged to the ridge, purlin and wall plate.
This process was repeated front and back to fill the east bay roof.
As per established local practice the rafters were not joined at the apex but simply set and pegged side by side.
The roof was kept covered with two overlapping tarpaulins which were pealed back to allow a systematic progression of laying and fixing rafters.
When fixing rafters care had to be taken not to loose the tarpaulins when the wind freshened.
The final intermediate rafters nearing completion using mainly Douglas Fir hand hewn rafter stock.
It was discovered that there was a shortage of common rafters needed to add the outboard flying common rafters and so it was decided to make these out of Western Red Cedar stock since this is very durable and light.
The outboard flying rafters were fixed and then the purlins & wall plates were trimmed flush to the outside of the flying rafters.
Once all of the rafters were fixed in position the frame was open to the roof inside.
Ken Hume
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Rafters