How to Build an Eave

Check the rafter tails for alignment. Inspect the plumb cuts by nailing a linear 2-by-4 to each rafter tail. Examine the edge of the 2-by-4. Trim the rafter tails if you see large bows. This procedure will help the fascia to go on straight.

Attach a nailer board. Align the bottom edge of a 2-foot level with the level cut of a rafter tail. Mark on the sheathing where a horizontal line would meet the exterior wall with a chalk or a pencil. Create a mark for every fourth rafter. Make a pencil line to connect the marks. Line up the bottom edge of a linear 2-by-4 with the pencil line. Nail the linear 2-by-4 flat against the exterior wall. This will be the nailer. The nailer can be installed to any brick or siding.

Install the lookout blocks. Hold a 2-by-4 lookout block flat and level it against the side of a rafter tail. This should be held at a 90-degree angle to the nailer. Carve and cut the lookout blocks flush with the plumb cut and use the block as a template. Cut one block for every rafter tail. Align each block with a 2-foot level. Attach the lookout blocks by toe-nailing them into the nailer and then nail them through the block into the rafter tail.

Attach the fascia to the plumb cuts (ridge cut). Align the top edge of the fascia with the top corner of the rafter tail. Install the fasica onto each rafter tail using headless finishing nails.

Attach the soffit to the bottom edge of each lookout block.