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

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Square/Plumb Cut Fascia

Bluemoose | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 25, 2005 12:00pm

My boss likes to run what he calls “plumb cut fascia.” But I am under the impression that what we run is actually square cut fascia (or whatever the proper term is). We just square cut all of the rafter tails so that the fascia hangs perpindicular to the plane of the roof. So I have a terminology question…

Is plumb cut fascia the fascia that is run on rafter tails with a plumb cut on them. For example, if you have a 6/12 roof and you cut a 6/12 on all of the rafter tails, that is plumb cut fascia?

But the root of the issue is that I feel that the way I was shown to run the fascia is inefficient.

I did some searching in the archives to find trig formulas about the hip/fascia angles and bevels but they were embedded deeply in some pretty deep BS between a few guys.

How do some of you guys run this type of fascia? BTW we don’t run a subfascia and use 2×6 roughsawn cedar.

Thanks.

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

Replies

  1. Piffin | Apr 25, 2005 01:17am | #1

    YHowdy young'un. I was intriqued with your screen name because I once had a big Ford N-type cabover that I named the Blue Moose. Then when I clicked your profile info, I see you are in Gainsville. I used to live there for about three years. i've been on a few hundred of thsoe roofs you drive past. I stoped in last year and saw that it had grown about 50% since I was there last. Bet it is still hard to drive down University Ave in the warm waether and keep your eyes on the road though.

    Anyway - a plumb cut rafter tailis as you describe and your boss has questionable verbal abiulity. Plumb means the cut is parralell with a plumb line dropped to the ground - the same line a drip of rain follows. When teh tails are cut square to the rafter, they are called square cut tails.

    Details about how to run fascia is widely different according to whether you have open rafter tails, soffit, classic trim, FHA approvals, etc. It sounds like you are working on something more rustic with exposed rafter tails, and the fascia is square cut 2x6 on a 2x4 rafter. That is about as inexpensive as it comes.

    The other conversations on hipdrop etc, is sticky when you have hip roofs instaeadof gabkle ends, and with differeing roof pitches on the same roof.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      Bluemoose | Apr 25, 2005 01:37am | #2

      You aren't kidding about University Ave.! I can recall many times when I've been punched in the shoulder for turning my head in a direction I shouldn't have. But I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't worth it.I've only lived here since last August when my girlfriend was accepted here to get her M.F.A. in poetry. (I always joke about what silly people we are, the wannabe carpenter and the poet.)We use aluminum soffit which comes comes off of the fascia at the bottom of the 2x4 truss rafter. The entire roof is 6/12...in fact we've already run the fascia on two houses. I can do it; I just know it can be done better and faster. I'm curious about the bevel and the angle to be cut on the hip rafter tail and the fascia at that point as well.Blue Moose was the name of a cool painting my Dad picked up in Sturgis.

      1. Piffin | Apr 26, 2005 03:34am | #3

        The brief answer for framing hip roofs is that when you use the framing square to set the cut line for a 6/12 pitch, use 6/17 for the pitch of ####plumb curt one a hip rafter. Same for any pitch. Change the 12 to 17 IF IT IS A TRUE PLUMB CUT.But you also have a factor called hip drop. your heel cut is based on height above plate - HAP of the common rafter. on a 6/12, that requuires about 7/8" drop. This is because the HAP is really figured to the theoretical center of the hip rafter. If you were to roip a bevel on the hip, you would measuere the samer HAP to the top of the bevel point, but in reality, few of us bevel rip[ those hips and jhust calculate so we can measure to the side of the hip rafter which is a lesser measure than irt would be to center top of bevel. Clear? 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          Bluemoose | Apr 26, 2005 03:41am | #4

          10-4.But my real question deals with the fascia angles and bevels...With square cut fascia, the bevels aren't 90 degrees and I wanted to know if anyone had the formulas that would allow me to figure the bevels and angles for the outside corners on my fascia.You did clear up some fogginess on HAP though; I've never had to cut a roof...only truss jobs.Thanks. What brought you to Gainesville when you lived here?

          1. Piffin | Apr 26, 2005 05:52am | #5

            friends 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

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

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Listeners write in about fostering trade work and proposed changes to Canadian code and ask questions about roof and wall insulation for an old house.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

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

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

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