The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction - WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

68 Getting Started
Ridge Pole
Frame
Ridge Pole notched
for gusset.
Frame
Block
Plywood gusset notched
for ridge pole. Notches
should be offset to allow
ridge poles to overlap.
Figure 8-15 Detail of ridge pole arrangement for temporary
shelter.
To erect your frame, drive heavy stakes—4' or 5' long 2
� 4’s work well—every 4' along the sides of the area to
be enclosed. Make sure that the angle of your stakes
matches the angle of your arches. <strong>The</strong>n raise the arches
and clamp them to the stakes.
Fair up your roofline, adjusting arches where necessary.
Drill and bolt through two points on each joint/arch
overlap so that the stake becomes a rigid extension of
the arch. <strong>The</strong> arches will be freestanding and will not
require temporary bracing.
Ridgepoles are easy to install if you put them up in 4'
sections corresponding to stake and arch spacing. Make
these segments out of 3 ⁄4" stock and notch them to lock
into the gussets as shown in Figure 8-15. As you align
each arch, drop the next ridgepole section into its
notched position to maintain a straight roofline.
When the skeleton is erect, set up diagonal bracing for
longitudinal support. One way to do this is to build the
framework for end walls at a sloping angle, as in
Figure 8-17. You may need additional interior bracing
or stringers.
Polyethylene sheeting can be purchased at hardware
and building supply stores. Both black and translucent
sheets are usually available in 6 mil thicknesses.
Black polyethylene will absorb heat from the sun, so if
you have a choice and live in a cold climate, you may
prefer it. While its color does tend to retard the damage
caused by ultraviolet light, black plastic will not last
significantly longer than clear polyethylene. You can
repair rips and tears in your sheathing with duct tape,
but you should plan on replacing it every year.
If your shelter will be subjected to strong winds or if
you are willing to spend more to avoid annual resheathing,
consider using reinforced rather than
standard polyethylene. This material is three-layered,
with nylon webbing sandwiched between two layers of
plastic, and therefore costs more and lasts longer.
Whichever type of sheeting you use, apply the entire
arched roof covering in one piece. If you cannot buy a
single sheet large enough for your shop, use duct tape
to put one together. Spread smaller pieces out on a flat
surface, allowing about a foot of overlap at each joint.
Figure 8-16 Framework for shelter completed. Diagonal
bracing and stringers in place. Figure 8-17 Plastic covering stretched over framework.