How to Put a Roof on a Log Cabin

One of the attractions of a log cabin is that the structure is often very simple. In fact, the roof is often no more than a series of panels that are attached to exposed rafters. Because of the rustic design, putting a roof on a log cabin is somewhat less complicated than installing a roof on a house or public building in a city. With a free weekend and some simple tools and supplies, you can put a roof on a log cabin with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Wood panels
• Tar or pitch
• Tin panels or shingles
• Ladder
• Tape measure
• Saw
• Hammer or nail gun
• Roofing nails
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Take the measurements for the roof. This is a two-part process. First, measure along the rise of one set of rafters, then measure the length of the cabin proper. Next, measure the distance between the rafters. The first measurement gives you a good idea of the square footage of materials you will need, while the second measurement will determine the dimensions of the wood panels that will become the sub-roof on the structure.

2. Purchase your supplies. For the wood panels, go with treated wood only. It will last longer. Also make sure they are at least a couple of inches thick, so they will support your weight during installation. If possible, have the panels precut into sections that will easily reach from one set of rafters to the next with no problem. If not, make sure the dimensions of the panels are such that you can cut them into workable sections for the installation. For the tin overlay, go with tin sections with a tongue-in-groove design that will allow the sections to interlock.

3. Begin the installation process. Position the ladder at one corner of the cabin and place one to three wood panels in place. Secure the panels to the rafters with the nail gun or hammer. Once they are in place, you can slide onto the roof along with a supply of precut panels. Place and secure panels along one side of the cabin, from the edge to the peak. Repeat the process on the other side of the cabin.

4. Seal the sub-roof with tar or pitch, then begin to add the tin overlay. This is best accomplished in sections. Use the paintbrush to spread a liberal but even layer of tar and then position a section of tin. Slide the adjoining section of tin into place and then secure with roof nails. The underlying tar will fill in the area around the nail and create a watertight seal. Repeat the process until the entire roof is covered.

5. Install the tin cover along the peak of the roof. The cover is a triangular section of tin that covers the joint where the two sections of roof come together at the peak. Coat the peak with tar and slide the cover into place. Secure with roof nails, making sure to sink the nails into the rafters and into the underlying tar.

Tips & Warnings

• By taking accurate measurements in advance, it is possible to precut the wooden and tin sections. This will help to minimize waste later in the project and thus keep the cost of materials within reason.

• If you are uncomfortable using a nail gun, then don’t consider this the right time to learn. Using a hammer may take longer, but the end result will be well worth it.