Repairing Rotted Roof Rafters

Removing termite damaged rafters and starter boards.

Repairing rotted roof rafters.

Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. Screw a new section of rafter to the old one to reinforce the tail. 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. 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.

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. The cleat helps support the new overhang. Make the new section twice as long as the rafter tail. Clamp a 1 by backing board in place and screw the new rafter.

Over time roof rafters can wear crack or rot and replacements may be in order. Unless you have advanced carpentry skills you may not be able to fix a rafter with serious decay problems. If the dry rot is extensive enlist a contractor to replace the rotted. Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter.

If you see a rotted rafter you should take steps to identify the source of moisture that is causing the decay. I replace the damaged wood and prep for the new roof installation. Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7. Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound.

It may also include replacing roof sheathing. Replacing rotted rafter ends on a gable roof is a matter of removing the existing ends and installing new wood. Use a powder actuated nailer to attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney. Install a new fascia.

Fortunately repairing rotten or weathered eaves is a relatively simple project. This includes repairing any leaks in the roof above the rafter. This video shows from start to finish the repair of rotted endbeams on a house using the endrot system. Wood rotting from the inside out compromises the structural integrity of the rafter.

Dry rot on the ends of gable rafters must be addressed before it spreads to the roof sheathing or rafters in the attic. Rotted wood rafters in a roof are a serious issue.