How to Find Rafters Behind Fascia

The fascia is the vertical board mounted directly behind your gutter. If you plan to install gutters with gutter hooks, the fascia is the board the hooks will be installed on. However, much like an interior wall, fascia has a wooden framework running behind it. This framework consists of the ends of the rafters in the attic. To give your new gutters the best support possible, mount the hooks not only on the fascia but into the rafter ends as well. Locating the rafter ends is a much simpler than you might think.

Ladder
Chalk

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a ladder outside at one end of the house. Ask a friend to hold the ladder while you climb up to get a closer look at the fascia.
- 2
  Look closely along the fascia for two small dimples, one above the other. These dimples indicate nail heads, which tell you this is where the rafter end is secured to the fascia. Place a small chalk mark on the fascia in this location.
- 3
  Measure 16 inches down from the first set of nail heads. This should tell you where the next set of dimples, indicating nail heads, are located. If you do not see any, measure down 24 inches from the first set of nail heads and look. Place a small chalk line at the second set of nail heads. Measure down another 16 or 24 inches to locate the next rafter end's nails. Continue until you reach the end of the fascia.

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