Repairing Rotted Roof Rafters

Dry rot on the ends of gable rafters must be addressed before it spreads to the roof sheathing or rafters in the attic.

Repairing rotted roof rafters. Unless you have advanced carpentry skills you may not be able to fix a rafter with serious decay problems. Removing termite damaged rafters and starter boards. Remove weak spongy wood preserve and protect wood wi. Use a powder actuated nailer to attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney.

Your first step will be prying away the bottom and sides of the old eaves. It may also include replacing roof sheathing. Fortunately repairing rotten or weathered eaves is a relatively simple project. Rotted wood rafters in a roof are a serious issue.

Wood rotting from the inside out compromises the structural integrity of the rafter. Install a new fascia. This includes repairing any leaks in the roof above the rafter. Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7.

I replace the damaged wood and prep for the new roof installation. Commonly what you can see of the rotted wood is only part of the problem it is what you cannot see under the surface of the wood that can be the main issue. Rotted rafter ends not only give you nothing to nail to when rehanging the fascia board and gutters they also risk the stability of the roof from flooding or collapsing. Replacing rotted rafter ends on a gable roof is a matter of removing the existing ends and installing new wood.

Your new boards will have to match the old ones in terms of width and thickness so when you go to your local home improvement center you may want to bring them a sample of your old eaves so. The cleat helps support the new overhang. Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound. Make the new section twice as long as the rafter tail.

This video shows from start to finish the repair of rotted endbeams on a house using the endrot system. Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. If the dry rot is extensive enlist a contractor to replace the rotted. Clamp a 1 by backing board in place and screw the new rafter.

Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. Rafter and joist systems are made up of two pieces of wood that run directly beneath the roofing surface and give it its shape while joists bridge the gap between the two rafter ends and support the whole thing.