How to Notch the Rafters for a New Roof

Determine the angle of the roof that you want. From that angle, mark the angle that you need to cut off the end of the rafter. The rafter needs to align with the ridge board. The ridge board is the board that runs down the center of the roof. Put on your safety goggles before going to the next step.

Cut off the angle marked on the end of the rafter with a power saw placed on a pair of sawhorses. Hold the freshly cut rafter up to the ridge board and mark where it intersects with the wall studs. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. Mark the notch to be cut out of the rafter. Cut off the notch of wood with a power saw placed on a pair of sawhorses. Hold the rafter up again and see if it conforms to the ridge board and wall stud, if not, then adjust accordingly.

Use the first rafter cut as a template for the other rafters. Place the rafter on the other 2- by- 4 boards and trace with a marker. Cut the other rafters on a saw horse and place them onto the roof. Place the rafters on the roof by lifting them by hand and placing them on top of the ridge board and wall stud. The spacing of rafters is subject to many factors.