Replace Damaged Roof Rafters

The owner had a different idea.

Replace damaged roof rafters.

Discard the wood in a. Although it is a straightforward process it is necessary to take your time to ensure a solid repair. Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang. How to replace rotted wood rafters step 1.

If the entire rafter was rotten use the length. Pull down to remove the old soffit. Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. Note that a squirrel had built a large nest above the soffit shown here.

Very easy to do. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing. Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar.

Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter. How to replace the rafters without removing the roof step 1. Cut out the section of the roofing. If a part of a truss has been cut out then replacing the board or piece cut out is generally not to hard or expensive.

Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. If it shows signs of rotting water damage or other wear you ll need to chop it out using a reciprocating saw. This video shows how to repair a split rafter. If a board is cracked then placing a similar board on each side of the broken one and bolting or nailing the three together may correct the issue.

While a roofing contractor would perhaps have proposed a complete tear down of the roof replacing it with straight modern size rafters the owner preferred to keep the roof sheathing in place and to straighten the roof by applying force from below while adding additional framing members. With the proper tools anyone can do this. Step 1 place a stepladder or extension ladder under the rafter end with the most damage. The rotten wood will come away easily.

Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape. Replacing rotted rafter ends on a gable roof is a matter of removing the existing ends and installing new wood. Use a hammer and nails to. Remove an area of the roof shingles from the edge of the roof to the upper line of the overhang using a 16 inch nail bar and hammer to pull the roofing nails.