Cutting off rafter tails

5 years ago

Hi there,

Hope for some advice. I have just had my roof replaced, and now am looking at my gutter system. I have a 100 year old bungalow (kind of between victorian and craftsman) and the current gutters sit on top of notched rafter tails, many of which have a fair bit of rot. The gutter company I'm considering is suggesting I cut off the notched portion of the rafter tail (if I am even using the right terminology!).

I do like the cleaner look without the tails, but just don't want to do something I will regret later. Here is a picture from the rear of the house - new roof and old gutters:

And here is what the gutter co. suggests:

Any advice helpful!

Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Norwood Architects

5 years ago

From what I've read most rafter tails are already sistered - meaning the roof rafter itself doesn't extend past the outside face of the wall. Instead the rafter tail is joined to the side of the roof rafter and is exposed on the outside portion. Replacing the rotted rafter tails shouldn't be a big issue. I would suggest getting rid of the cutout that the gutters are resting on now and having a clean plumb cut on the end of the tails. Any horizontal surface (like in your tail cutouts) is going to keep more water and will be even more subject to rot. Good luck!

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Comments (11)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
Abatron the original fabric please.
HU-931799248
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Joseph,

Thanks for your comment. At first I thought it was a typo but I looked up Abatron.

One of my questions is: are the rafter tails functional or purely decorative?

Thank you (or anyone).
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houssaon
5 years ago
If the position of the gutters were to change and be more efficient, I could see cutting them off. You need to fix the rotting ones. Then I would keep them.
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
5 years ago
I'd also install wider gutters and downspouts; we did that last year and the difference was dramatic.
Little Bug
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
No advice, just a chuckle at the technical term on the sketch: ‘pokey outy bit.’
cat_ky
5 years ago
Not all rafter tails are sistered My shop has rafter tails, and they are all part of the roof rafters.
HU-931799248
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone.

My rafter tails are not sistered, but are part of the roof rafter. I actually don't mind the cleaner look of those 'tails' cut off, as suggested by @Norwood Architects and @houssaon. Here is a pic (not my house, but a similar one) of what it will look like afterwards:
HU-931799248
Original Author
5 years ago
@Anna (6B/7A in MD) the gutter co didn't offer up wide gutters (I will ask) but they did recommend a leaf guard. Does anyone have experience with that?

Thanks again,

Julie
julieste
5 years ago
The rafter tails definitely add period character to your house. I think getting rid of them is a mistake.
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I'm sure they offer wider downspouts, if not gutters, definitely take them up on it.

We just installed Gutter Guards (from HD) as they came highly recommended. My husband installed them himself except for a high spot that we hired out for. So far so good!

I agree that the rafter tails add character to your home and would not remove them.