These cuts, Figs. [99] and [100], serve in cutting the miters on ends of the gable fascia. A little consideration will make clear the remaining cuts upon ordinary cornice work.
In splicing mouldings, corner boards, etc., a mitered joint is best and should be made so as to shed water from the joint, [Fig. 101.]
53. Shingling.—The reason for placing cornice before base or window frames, etc., is to allow the workmen to work inside should inclement weather overtake building operations at any time. Shingling, therefore, will follow cornice work.
Fig. 101. Spliced Comer Boards and Moulding
The amount of shingle to be exposed to the weather will depend in general upon the pitch of the roof. In no case should this exposure exceed 5 inches. The shingle most used is 16 inches long, and each shingle should lap two courses beneath it. The usual amount of lay is from 4" to 4%", by quarters. When nearing the ridge or comb of a roof in shingling, the dimensions used on the main body of the roof should be increased or decreased so as to make the final layer show under the comb or ridge or saddle boards properly. The worker should begin such calculations when within about four or five feet of the ridge so that changes of exposure of the different layers may not be noticeable and so that the line of shingle butts may be kept parallel with the ridge.
Fig. 102. Beginning Course
The first layer of shingles should be a double one with joints properly broken, and with the butts projecting over the crown moulding about 1½" to 2". Lay the shingles at the gables first, then at intervals of about ten feet. Stretch a chalk line between these fastening it to the butts by shingle nails driven into the butts, [Fig. 102.]
The remaining courses may be laid by means of a straight-edge or by means of a chalk line. Both practices have ardent advocates. Where a straight-edge is used, it is usually a piece of lap siding or clapboard, and is held in place by being lightly tacked.