Can I cut off rafter tails?
A professional carpenter can walk the plate and cut off the rafter tails. If this is too scary for you, then cut the tails from below while standing on a stable surface, such as a ladder or scaffold.
What is the purpose of a plumb cut on a rafter?
Plumb cuts represent the vertical or straight up and down cuts once the rafter is placed in position. It is used on the top, tail, and bird’s mouth. Level cut refers to the horizontal line after the rafter is set in place. It is used on the bird’s mouth and tail cuts.
Where is a plumb cut used on a rafter?
Rafter Terms Plumb cut, typically called the ridge cut, at the top end of the rafter.
How do you protect exposed rafter tails?
Best you can do is:
- sand them to bare wood.
- drill and insert boron rods maybe 1″ down from the top surface.
- plug the boron rod holes with epoxy and sand again.
- soak the end grain with a borate solution.
- soak the heck out of the entire exposed surface in an epoxy solution (I like CPES for this)
- restain with solid body stain.
Are rafter tails structural?
Rafter tails are the exposed exterior portion of a building’s wood structural truss that projects beyond the perimeter wall of the structure. This structural element is secured to the top of the wall or tie beam and then projects to support the soffit overhang.
How do you find rafter tails?
Find the location of the rafter tails behind the fascia board. If a soffit conceals the rafters, look for tell-tale signs on the face of the fascia, such as raised or inset nail heads, rust or discolored wood filler. The rafters will be about 16 inches apart.
What is a seat cut and a plumb cut?
: a cut at the outer end of a rafter that adapts it to fit the plate and normally has the form of a right-angled notch — compare plumb cut.
What is the difference between a hip Jack rafter and a common rafter?
COMMON RAFTER: A rafter that runs perpendicular (90°) from the wall plate to the roof ridge when looking straight down at the roof. HIP JACK RAFTER: A rafter that runs from the top of the wall plate to a hip rafter at 90° to the wall plate (see Figures 1, 8 and 14).
What are exposed rafter tails?
How far should roof sheathing overhang rafter tails?
45-3/4 inch
Measure up the rafter 45-3/4 inch from the cut end of the truss tail and snap a line along the trusses. This indicates the upper edge of the first row of roof sheathing—leaving enough overhang that the subfascia and fascia will tuck neatly underneath when the time comes.
What’s the best way to plumb cut rafter tails?
However, any deviation in the exterior walls can affect the alignment of the tails and detract from the appearance of the fascia. The most effective method is working from a stepladder or scaffold and cutting the tails individually. Plumb cutting rafter tails begins with establishing the desired overhang.
Where do I get the plumb cut for my roof?
You can purchase both stair gauges and a framing square at your local hardware store. Mark the plumb cut at the top of the rafter. The plumb (or ridge) cut is made at the top of the rafter. Choose which end of your rafter you want to be the top. Set the framing square on top of the rafter beam, with the tongue facing the top of the rafter.
What’s the best way to cut a rafter?
The most effective method is working from a stepladder or scaffold and cutting the tails individually. Plumb cutting rafter tails begins with establishing the desired overhang. Place a stepladder at the end of a wall where the rafter tails will be cut.
What are the three parts of a common rafter?
Rafter Terms A common rafter has three basic parts you need to become familiar with: 1 Plumb cut, typically called the ridge cut, at the top end of the rafter. 2 Birdsmouth, which consists of two cuts – a horizontal seat cut and a vertical shoulder cut. 3 Tail cut, which may be cut plumb or square, depending on how the eaves are detailed.
