Deep Seat Cut Questioned
To the Editor:
The article “Fast Layout for Tall Rake
Walls” (4/01) appears to recommend a
construction shortcut that is not permitted
by the building code used
widely in the Northeast (CABO One
and Two Family Dwelling Code). The
author finds himself with a plan showing
both 2x6 and 2x10 rafters. To simplify
his wall framing, he sets all the
wall plates at the same elevation. To
achieve a consistent eaves line, he is
then forced to cut a deep notch to
form his birdsmouth in the 2x10
rafters. The code prohibits such notching
for the reason that horizontal
shear forces at such notches can cause
splitting to propagate up the member
from the corner