Eric,
Thank you. That is helpful. I was able to use that link you posted and saw the same thing (bending being the critical value). Upon some more thought, I realized I had another option. Rather that reducing the 4x8 rafter to a 4x6 before the joinery at the plate, I could just reduce it to a 4x7.5, or a 4x7 (depending on the depth of my rafter at hand). This clearly would affect the beauty of the 2" reduction before the plate, but would allow me a 5.5" or a 5" rafter tail depth with all the joinery remaining the same. That in itself should push me a little further into the safe zone.
In your suggestion for evenly distributing the snow load over the rafters, what do you mean by "members could be added horizontally from fascia to beam to assist in supporting the large overhang." It sounds like you are suggesting horizontal members be added connecting the beams (rafter tails) to each other in order to distribute the load, but I don't understand how these additional member would be attached to both the fascia and the beams. Also, are you suggesting these members be attached in between the beams, and under the roofing?
Also, any suggestions as to where to place that collar tie as to most effectively distribute that load?
DL,
Thanks for the diagram and pictures. Very helpful indeed.
Dan
