Gutter rafters are the ends of the rafters that project beyond the wall and together form the eaves with the gutter. They carry the gutter and determine the size of the roof overhang. Sometimes they are the continuous rafters themselves, sometimes separate added pieces (tilting fillets) that extend the rafter.
Function
At the lower edge of the roof, the rafters have to project just past the wall, so that rainwater falls into the gutter and does not run down the facade. The gutter rafters provide this overhang and form the base on which the fascia board, the gutter and the gutter blocks are fixed.
If the roof slope would run too steeply near the wall plate, short add-on pieces (tilting fillets) are placed on the rafters. This creates a gentler slope at the eaves — a classic detail on thatched roofs and old roof structures.
Application
- Overhangs — the length of the gutter rafters determines how far the roof projects over the facade
- Eaves detail — the gutter rafters carry the gutter, fascia board and sometimes the lowest row of tiles
- Thatched roofs — with tilting fillets the characteristic curved eaves is formed
Points of attention
- Gutter rafters are exposed to moisture: use durable timber and provide ventilation
- A good fixing to the wall plate is needed against wind load (uplift)
Related Terms
- Rafter
- Overhang
- Eaves
- Fascia board
- Gutter block
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