Historic Zoning Commission

Old North Knoxville H-1: Level II

4-I-12-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

The roof was damaged in the April 26, 2011 hailstorm, which requires re-shingling. Before this work can go forward, the drooping eaves need to be addressed at the front of the house (see Figure 1 which shows the eastern side of the front of the house). The problem has developed because the roof changes pitch over the front porch to become less steep, creating additional downward force on the eaves. Exacerbating this problem is the fact that the boxes forming the side eaves on each side are only toenailed on to the wall of the house; the front of the house is supported somewhat by some rafter tails which extend into the attic ("jack rafters"). Crude repairs have taken place over the life of the house, including replacement of the "fake" jack rafters with inconsistent sizes of wood, sistering of the jack rafters as the box formed by the eaves pulled away from the old jack rafters, and replacement of the original 1 x 4s with plywood which is now delaminating (see Figure 2 showing underside of eaves on west side of the house). Finally, the sloped eaves causes the roof to drain on the sides of the house, which rots the fascia boards (see Figure 3). The proposed work is shown in Figure 4. The contractor recommends removing the existing asphalt shingles over the eaves and four feet of the actual roof's edge on the three sides of the porch. The 1 x 4 roof decking and old plywood will be removed to expose the interior roof framing of combined areas A and B. to gain access to the framing. This will be done so that the sagging jack rafters can be removed and replaced with new jack rafters. C and D represent galvanized metal plate fasteners to be secured and concealed within the roof deck and framing. A joist hanger C and angle brackets D will be installed on each new jack rafter at the barge rafter and abutting full rafter. Next, the roof decking will be replaced at the eaves with new 1 x 4s as built. The fascia board will also be replaced with new continuous board to add strength to the eaveline. Finally, new 45-degree angled eave braces will be added to provide strength and prevent sagging. These will replace the supports that are currently on either side of the porch (two per side), and locate them at the brick pillars.

Site Info

One-story frame with weatherboard and wood shingle wall covering. Side gable roof with king post, rafters and asphalt shingle covering. Ten light casement windows. One story wrap around front and side porch with square brick posts on brick balustrade. Interior offset brick chimney. Brick foundation. Rectangular plan. Divided light transom and sidelights at front entry.

Old North Knoxville Historic Overlay Design Guidelines
Roofs p. 13:
Repair or replace roof details [in this case, overhangs and soffit braces]