I am almost ready to raise a 12'x16' Shaker Garden Shed which is shown in Jack Sobon's TF book. I'm concerned about the rafters being able to withstand windstorms that can occr once or twice a year where I will raise it (NH). The rafters are simply pegged into the top plate (step lapped) and pegged at the peak with an open mortice/tenon. The step laps cut into top plate are only 2" deep which hold the 4"x6" rafters in at a 45 degree angle. Once the rafter is set into the step lap top plate it looks like they will not provide much support for side loads (wind hitting gable end). Of course the roofing boards (1"x10"x10') will offer some support against side loads but that wouldn't totally prevent the rafters from "dominoing" somewhat in the wind.
I could always nail a 1"x6" long board diagonally across the rafters on the inside (bottom of rafters, seperate from roof) but that wouldn't look to good.
Instead of nailing the roofing boards perpendicular to the rafters, is it unheard of to nail the roofing boards diagonally across the rafters to offer some extra support?
Thanks in advance.
