Tim,
Continuous Top Plate- This would seem to make the rafter design and joinery easier. I'd be concerned about the availability of 20' timbers in the Adirondacks and also the difficulty of lifting them into place.
Top Guard- Is Top Guard the stuff designed to replace roofing felt?
Metal- I've been advised that metal will have to be mounted to furring strips rather than directly on a flat surface to allow "breathing" and minimize heat transfer. Is that a concern?
Collar Ties- They certainly would be head knockers though I wasn't originally planning on using the space within the rafters. I might change the pitch from 8/12 which matches the pitch of the nearby main camp building to 10/12.
Tie Beam Placement- Haven't worked that out, understand the some? space from the plate joinery is necessary. Posts will be along enough to give 8' clearance from the floor to tie beams
Thanks,
Carl
