Should I do a birdsmouth cut for low sloped (tiny house) shed roof?

GreyWolf92 | Posted in Green Building Techniques on May 25, 2017 11:58am

Hello,

We’re getting close to framing my roof for my tiny house on wheels. The roof is a low sloped 2:12 pitch. There will only be 3-6 inch eave/overhang.

Should I do a birdsmouth cut for this? What benefits does this provide? If not, what method do you recommend that I do and why?

Thanks!

Answer

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

GBA Editor

Martin Holladay | May 25, 2017 12:35pm | #1
Grey,
Yes, you need a shallow bird's mouth. These days, most builders also use a hurricane clip (Simpson clip) as well.
GreyWolf92 | May 25, 2017 01:01pm | #2
Cheers.
Expert Member

MALCOLM TAYLOR | May 25, 2017 03:32pm | #3
Grey Wolf,

There are two benefits to including birds mouths.

- It increases the bearing area so the corner of the rafter doesn't crush under load.

- It provides a horizontal bearing surface so all loads are vertical. Witpout the horizontal surface you also would have loads trying to make the rafters slide off the roof.