Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Timberframe Design Gable Overhang With Intermediate Plates

Is there any reason why one should not have intermediate top plates (post to post), and then on the gable end, run the plate over the post, in order to have an overhang?

Some people might argue against any unnecessary breaks in the thermal envelope, I, however, am not one. My caution would be that a level exposed beam can become a transport route for water, so I would look for ways to profile the underside of the beam to provide drip relief.

Thanks for the response.

It's not a residential structure, just a carport basically, with board siding, for storing equipment.

It's interesting, but none of my books on timber-framing, and very little info online, addresses a situation like this. I know that a scarf in a continuous top plate is probably the most common, but I'm sure someone, somewhere, built with intermediate plates and an overhang.


Thanks for the help.

I do this on every frame I build. At least 16 to 24 inches out.