Replacing Rotted Roof Rafters

If the entire rafter was rotten use the length.

Replacing rotted roof rafters.

Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches. Clamp a 1 by backing board in place and screw the new rafter to it. The cleat helps support the new overhang.

Dry rot on the ends of gable rafters must be addressed before it spreads to the roof sheathing or rafters in the attic. If the dry rot is extensive enlist a contractor to replace the rotted. Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7. In addition to wood you also have the option of choosing a material like cellular pvc fiber cement aluminum or.

Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. The rotten wood will come away easily. Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape.

Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound. Use a powder actuated nailer to attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Screw a new section of rafter to the old one to reinforce the tail.

How to replace rotted wood rafters step 1. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw. If you are using an extension. How to replace rotted rafter ends on a gable roof step 1.

When measuring extend the. Cut a replacement board from 2 by pressure treated lumber that is the same size and width as the rafter tail you just cut using a circular saw. Make sure you also pick up enough pressure treated lumber to cut new shingle molds and rafters if necessary. Discard the wood in a.

Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter. Place a stepladder or extension ladder under the rafter end with the most damage. Measure from the end of the rafter tail to the area of good wood with a tape measure. Remove weak spongy wood preserve and protect wood wi.

How to replace the rafters without removing the roof.