Letters

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 2×6 and 2×10 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 2×10 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