Lookout (architecture)

A lookout, lookout rafter or roof outlooker is a wooden joist that extends in cantilever out from the exterior wall (or wall plate) of a building, supporting the roof sheathing and providing a nailing surface for the fascia boards. When not exposed it serves to fasten the finish materials of the eaves.

Photograph of lookouts in the construction of an exterior soffit. The lookouts extend horizontally from the wall plate to the subfascia and are visible above the upper windows. In this example the lookouts are covered when the soffit is finished, as can be seen on the right hand side of the image.