How To Repair Rotted Roof Rafters

If the entire rafter was rotten use the.

How to repair rotted roof rafters.

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. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it. Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter. Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang.

Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches. Use cardboard or plastic baffles opening photo to keep your insulation from blocking the airflow. 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. If it shows signs of rotting water damage or other wear you ll need to chop it out using a reciprocating saw.

The rotten wood will come away easily. Discard the wood in a garbage bin as you work to. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape.

How to replace the rafters without removing the roof. Cut the last soffit board to fit then cover the sawn edge with the trim strip. How to replace rotted wood rafters. Cut away rotten or damaged rafters.

Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. 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. Cut out the section of the roofing. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw.