Installing Real Wood Rafter Tails

Installation Options

Real Wood Rafter Tails can be installed in all applications where conventional rafter tails are used. They are also a very convenient option for incorporating rafter tails in a renovation. The standard method of installation requires that the top chord of the roof truss be extended over the wall. Real Wood Rafter Tails can be installed following the truss spacing or at custom oncenter spacings. The standard installation is directly on to the truss tails. When the Real Wood Rafter Tails are located at spacings different from the trusses, a simple 2x4 outrigger can be used, similar to conventional solid sawn rafter tails.

Nailing

Conventional nailing and framing practices should be used when attaching Real Wood Rafter Tails. Galvanized nails are highly recommended. For 4x Real Wood Rafter Tails, 8 d (0.113") x 2 1/2" or 2.75" long galvanized nails are recommended. For 6x Real Wood Rafter Tails, use10d (0.131") x 3" long galvanized nails. A 16 gauge - 2 1/2" brad nail is also suitable. Refer to the installation picture below. Allow 4" from the open end of the Real Wood Rafter Tail for the first nail. Remaining nails should be spaced no closer than 3" on-center. Nails should be driven from both sides in an alternating pattern and staggered in rows, 1" apart. All nails should allow for a minimum 1" clearance from the top edge of the Real Wood Rafter Tails. Roof decking / boards or other structural members should be fastened to the truss tail / outrigger / structural support.

Placement

Real Wood Rafter Tails are typically installed after trusses but before roof sheathing. The installer may work from scaffolding or from a position on the wall between the trusses. Because Real Wood Rafter Tails are substantially lighter and easier to handle than conventional solid sawn timber rafter tails, they are also much safer to work with in elevated positions. The Real Wood Rafter Tail slides onto the end of a precision trimmed truss tail / outrigger or structural support member. Locate the top edge of the Real Wood Rafter Tail flush to the top edge of the support member. The top edge of the Real Wood Rafter Tail must not be above the top edge of the support member. Check to ensure that the extreme ends of the Real Wood Rafter Tail are appropriately aligned before proceeding. In most cases the Real Wood Rafter Tail can be held in place with one hand and power nailed with the other. Do NOT walk on or place construction loads on installed Real Wood Rafter Tails!