FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Rhode Island 2016

The 2016 FHB House is energy-smart, connected, healthy, and durable. It’s small and sensible. Most of all, it’s a valuable model home, meant to educate designers and builders who aspire to create high-performance houses that are exceptional in their quality, comfort, and style.

How-To

Building and Trimming Eave Overhangs

Attaching the eave to the wall rather than the rafter makes for a faster, straighter, and safer installation

By Mike Guertin
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

We’re framing the eave overhangs in a different fashion than is ordinarily done on a cut roof frame. Instead of letting the rafter tails project beyond the exterior wall and trimming them with a fascia and soffit cuts, we’re screwing blocking and a subfascia onto the wall. This permits the exterior insulation to extend above the top plate line so that we avoid a cold spot along the top plate. And as it turns out, it’s faster than cutting rafter tails precisely, then erecting staging to install the eave trim. We can do most of that work while the walls are lying flat on the floor deck, and we end up with dead-straight fascia and soffit lines.

I started by installing the rafter blocks to the wall plate. Eaves 1When I-joists are used as rafters, the ends have to be blocked along the wall plate. I laid out the top plate precisely for the rafters and cut the TimberStrand blocks 1/16 in. short of the rafter edge so we wouldn’t have to fight to get them in place later. Then I screwed the blocks in place using Simpson Strong-Tie’s new SDWS Framing Screws so the blocks were fastened solid to the top plate.

Then we sheathed the wall all the way to the top of the rafter blocks, and I laid out the eave blocking. Eaves 2We needed a solid connection between the eave and the wall framing, so I installed 2×3 blocks over the wall sheathing with FlatLOK screws driven into the eave blocks, top plate, and wall studs. I sorted out the roof sheathing plane and mounted a 2×8 ledger board over the 2×3 blocks—but not before installing 2×8 tail blocks to the ledger with screws from the backside.

Eaves 3A 2×10 subfascia was screwed over the tail blocks to serve as a base for the fascia and to pick up the front edge of the soffit board.

The fascia board is 1×12 Boral TruExterior Trim, and the soffit is built of two pieces of 1×6 Boral. A Cor-A-Vent S-400 white strip vent was positioned between the two soffit boards for attic ventilation. We installed SV-5 siding vents over the 1×3 furring as the rain-screen exhaust vent. And over that I screwed a 1×4 Boral frieze board. It took me just a couple hours to trim the entire eave—about half the time it would have taken to install the trim off of staging.

Eaves 4

All the trim boards were left 12 in. to 18 in. short of the end of the wall. After the wall is lifted, I can fill in the short pieces by reaching out of the windows near the ends of the wall or by reaching over the top of the wall. Trimming the wall this way does lead to three trim joints, rather than two along the length of the eave. But I’m not concerned about the joints. Boral doesn’t expand or contract like cellular PVC, so the butt joints should stay tight. And given that they’re 28 ft. above grade, it’s unlikely anyone will be able to notice the joints without binoculars.

Before lifting, I put on two coats of paint using rollers. It took me about 20 minutes per coat—much faster than I could work off of staging.

Eaves 7
We left short pieces of wall sheathing and the rafter blocks out in two locations along the 34-ft.-long wall for the wall jacks. Rather than jacking against the wall plate, we installed strongback blocks to the eave ledger and lifted against them. Another benefit of building the eave to the wall is that the blocking and subfascia kept the wall nice and straight as it went up. After lifting, we lined the wall and only needed one brace in the middle to pull it in 1/4 in. for perfect alignment.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Rhode Island 2016 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Outdoor Spaces
  • Completed Home

Behind the Build

  • New York 2023
  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. b_ward | Sep 10, 2016 08:43am | #1

    Mike, good idea but a narrated video showing the step-by-step construction of this somewhat complex procedure would be appreciated.
    I'm not a pro and the pictures and words were not enough for me.
    A short sample section would be sufficient.
    Thanks!

  2. user-3275564 | Sep 13, 2016 09:27am | #2

    Yes more videos please!

  3. Kennel | Sep 24, 2016 01:29pm | #3

    I really like this approach. I imagine you have to be careful to ensure that the slope is dead on with the roof slope. Is this challenging given you can't confirm this until after the rafters are installed?

  4. user-7309262 | Mar 24, 2019 11:05am | #4

    How deep of a soffit can you build with this technique?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Rhode Island 2016

View All
  • Makeup Air for the Range Hood
  • Finishing the Basement
  • A Look at the Finished Home
  • Range Exhaust
View All

Fine Homebuilding House - Rhode Island 2016 Sponsors

  • AdvanTech Logo
  • American Standard Logo
  • AMVIC Logo
  • Boral_CulturedStone Logo
  • Boral_Flag Logo
  • Boral_TruExterior Logo
  • CertainTeed Logo
  • Coravent Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DXV Logo
  • Flir Logo
  • Gladiator Logo
  • MAXUSA Logo
  • ProtectoWrap Logo
  • Roxul Logo
  • Sikkens Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo
  • Integrity Logo
  • SoftPlan Logo
  • Tamarack Logo
  • TiteBond Logo
  • TrusJoist Logo
  • Whirlpool Logo
  • Zehnder Logo
  • ZipSystem Logo
  • Feeney Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Shim Trim With Screws
  • Template for Bullnose Base Corners
  • Simple Miter Measurements
  • Conceal Cut Ends

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Wrapping PVC Box Beams
  • Installing a PVC Porch Ceiling
  • Creating and Installing PVC Tapered Columns
  • Exterior PVC Trim: Joining Long Runs
View All

Trimwork

View All Trimwork Articles
  • Balanced Brad Nailer
  • Manage PVC Trim Expansion
  • Finish Carpentry Basics
View All Trimwork Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

You have 1 free article remaining.

Get complete site access, including thousands of videos, how-to tips, tool reviews, and design features.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data