How To Repair Rotted Roof Rafters

Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter.

How to repair rotted roof rafters.

Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang. How to replace rotted wood rafters. The rotten wood will come away easily.

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. Cut away rotten or damaged rafters. Cut out the section of the roofing. Use galvanized finish nails to fasten the soffit boards.

Insert a strip vent or other vents in the new soffit to ventilate the attic and roof. Discard the wood in a garbage bin as you work to. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw.

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. Things you ll need stepladder or extension ladder helper tape measure 2 by 6 inch boards salt treated circular saw speed square reciprocating saw drill with 1 2 inch bit 1 2 inch wooden dowels wood glue hammer. Cut the last soffit board to fit then cover the sawn edge with the trim strip. If it shows signs of rotting water damage or other wear you ll need to chop it out using a reciprocating saw.

If the entire rafter was rotten use the. How to replace the rafters without removing the roof. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape. Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar.