Overnotched Rafter

[jcundiff]

The 25% notch limits that you are concerned about is intended to address notching or boaring within the span of the member. In this case, your concern seems to be how the rafter tail and birds mouth were cut. I see no problem with the way these were cut. There appears to be full 3 1/2" engagment between the heel (bearing point) and the top plate. As far as the unusual cut is concerned, It seems more likely that it was diliberate, rather than the result of a hack. I wonder if they were planning something different regarding the overhangs and changed course midway. Maybe it was a venitlation consideration. Is the ceiling framed to be vaulted? Perhaps this was done to create a continuos void, rather than using continuos soffit vent. Eitherway- its fine the way it is. I'm glad you got a picture posted in time.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by hspinnler

Thanks Larry. So, should I forget about the 25% notch limit when you have an oversized rafter with a standard 2"x4" section used only as the tail? And finally no problem with the heel resting on the top plate?

Hank, the 25% limit is for the rafter section from the bearing point (in your pic it is the 31/2” top plate) to the ridge. The rafter has not been reduced in that span. It was reduced for the tail only. And the reduction of the tail portion seems adequate to support a 12” overhang.

It appears they may have built the soffit box to the wall while it was laying on the deck and dropped the rafters in after the wall with soffit was raised. We used to build the complete wall on the deck before raising it. (siding, windows, soffit, 8’ porch overhang, soffit vent, fascia, freeze board, caulk, etc.) This saved a lot of ladder and pick time. After the walls were up we just had to tie in the corners.

The only thing I may consider for your photo is some blocking to prevent racking.

Hope this helps.

[Larry D. Kage]

Whoooops!

Sorry about the font sizes. I don't know what happened when I copied and pasted from word.

[hspinnler]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

As a closing thought, I referenced the 2003 IRC Secton R802.7.1 Sawn Lumber where it reads: "Notches at the ends of the member shall not exceed one-fourth the depth of the member." Rafters are clearly over 25% notched at the ends. While I see that it may not be a problem with the full 3 1/2" resting on the top plate, I did previously write it up as overnotched and recommended further eval. & repairs by a licensed contractor.

[hspinnler]

Okay Larry, your post came after my last reply. What you sad makes perfect sense. Hey, the cut where the bearing is fine and the tail is not of concern. I will reassure the client that this is not a major issue, but a little blocking would not hurt either!

[hspinnler]

Sorry Larry, it was what you "said" not what you "sad" - I should go ahead and log off now before I make another goff - I mean goof!!.

If I'm seeing the picture right, the blocking has already been accomplished with the soffit that has been connected to the fascia.

Originally Posted by hspinnler

Okay Larry, your post came after my last reply. What you sad makes perfect sense. Hey, the cut where the bearing is fine and the tail is not of concern. I will reassure the client that this is not a major issue, but a little blocking would not hurt either!

[hspinnler]

That 2x that runs perpendicular to the top plate runs continuously behind the rafters and forms the rear box portion of the overhang. So, I would not consider it as blocking.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by twheeler

If I'm seeing the picture right, the blocking has already been accomplished with the soffit that has been connected to the fascia.

You've got a good point there Tyrone.

Is it a wood soffit?..making a rigid box.

I believe that would work fine if it's nailed adequately.