Doors and Windows - Re-Siding Dormers

I have two dormers that extend from a 45 degree sloped roof that require re-siding. The main roof edge (gutter) is roughly 10 feet off the ground, and the dormers are set back from the edge of the roof about 4 feet , with the crest of each dormer roof section about 8 feet above the main roof gutter (taking into account the slope from the gutter to the vertical portion of the dormer, and the dormer's height to its peak . I've been trying to figure out the best way to work on them safely, while minimizing potential damage to the roof, and if possible without having to rent and transport pipe scaffolding (which I've never used). So far, my best thought was to attach two or three vertical supports to the house wall (supported on the ground and cross-braced), then build a mini platform or deck attached on one side to the vertical supports and resting at level on the roof at the other end, just below where the dormer starts to rise vertically from the roof. This is obviously fairly elaborate (probably take longer than the job itself), but I'm wondering if anybody has come up with an equally stable, but simpler approach.

Thanks
Retriever49

I've done the vertical "attach to the wall" deal, but only on a new house where I could run a bolt all the way thru the stud....I don't think I'd trust something simply screwed from the outside.

Two other suggestions:

1. They make a small bracket deal for a walk plank on roofs.....you lift up one tab of shingle, run a 16p nail thru a hole in the bracket leg INTO a rafter, then the tab lays back down...then you mount a 2x8 on top the bracket ( you need a pair ).......These are "ok" , but you have no handrail and you are working only on a single board.

2. If you can get a machine in the yard in front of the dormers, rent a Skytrack type machine. You can get a boom type machine that will easily do the height you're talking, and you have a nice, level, handrailed work platform. You'll spend $150-200 for a day, but if you're priced a visit to the ER along with the associated recovery time, you'll find that rent money is dang cheap.

They also make one that is towable behind a car and uses battery power to run the lift hydraulics.


Also, don't be adverse to renting scafold.....it's cheap, easy to set up and makes a dang nice work platform.....you can rent enough to do the job for $30 or so for a month here.....

First, retriever49, welcome to DoItYourself.com. We may not always be right, and we don't always agree. However, we ARE always here for you!

Andy,

Are you serious?? $30 to rent the scaffolding, FOR A WHOLE MONTH??? The last bunch I rented cost me $100 A WEEK!! (Maybe I SHOULD look into moving!)

retriever49, Andy did suggest some of the better (spelled S-A-F-E-S-T) ways to go about your project. Check with your local rental companies. One (or more) of them will have the proper equipment to get your job done. Rates are going to vary, as do the costs to go to the ER and the price of funerals!! Paying a couple hundred to the rental yard is ALWAYS better than having your widow part with several thousand for the local undertaker!!

Yeah Lefty....we have two local rental companies and scafolding is dang cheap......I was gonna buy some but just can't justify it based on rental prices.....the last I got, which was last year bricking that last rental, ran about $10/mo per 2 frames and 2 braces......so figuring he need 3 sets to get up 12', that's about $30 for a months worth here.

Maybe THAT why building costs are SO outrageous on the Left coast, huh ??

:)

Thanks guys....scaffolding is probably the best alternative...I just have to figure out how to with the gap between where the scaffolding will hit the gutter (edge of the roof line) and the dormers themselves (which are set back about 6 feet along the 45 degree roof line).

THAT's where those roof brackets I was talking about would come in REAL handy.....you can get 'em at about any building supply place and they're fairly cheap for a pair.

Build your scafold up about 3 sections high, then use a pair of brackets over on the roof at the base of the dormer. Run a plank in them as they would normally be used, then run planks over from the scafold perpendicular to the board on the brackets. Screw all this together with deck screws and you're in business.

Got it....Thanks!