Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 8/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I would like to dig a basement beside my mobile home 20'x20' and use the concrete slab(ceiling of basement) used as the floor of an extension room from the mobile home. Roof line of home is at different levels on low end (not gable end)because of vaulted ceiling in living room of home. How do I tie in the roof line of the extension to match the home roof? This will be a free standing room with its own supports with stairway inside of extension room to basement.

ANSWER: Hi Nettie, it's not too difficult of a tie in.  If your addition abuts the eave side of your home, basically you turn your addition roof at 90 degree angles to the house with the ridgelines also at 90 degree angles..I will attach a simple drawing..see if this is what you are looking for.  Please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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QUESTION: Actually I wanted to come out from the eave side with all weight being dependant on the addition. Most like a porch roof. Preventing any fluctuation or settling (if any) not to effect the home in any way. Wish I could send a picture.

Answer
Hi again Nettie, the roof design I sent you does rest on the addition.  The only thing sitting on the Mobile roof is the valley framing.  If you just want a shed roof coming off the eave side I will attach a drawing showing such.  The problem with a shed roof attaching to an eave side is head room.  If the floor level of the addition is the same as the floor level of the mobile home then you will lose head room from the pitch of the shed roof.  This is fine if your mobile walls are tall enough to compensate for the difference or the floor of the addition needs to be lower.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com