How To Replace A Rotted Roof Rafter

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

How to replace a rotted roof rafter.

Cut away rotten or damaged rafters. The rotten wood will come away easily. Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound. 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.

When measuring extend the. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw. Use your tape measure to record the. If it shows signs of rotting water damage or other wear you ll need to chop it out using a reciprocating saw.

Screw a new section of rafter to the old one to reinforce the tail. Place a stepladder or extension ladder under the rafter end with the most damage. How to replace rotted wood rafters step 1. If you are using an extension.

Make the new section twice as long as the rafter tail. 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. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing. How to replace rotted rafter ends on a gable roof step 1.

How to replace the rafters without removing the roof step 1. Discard the wood in a. Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape.

Cut out the section of the roofing. Pull down to remove the old soffit. Measure from the end of the rafter tail to the area of good wood with a tape measure. Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches.

Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it. Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang.

Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. If the entire rafter was rotten use the length.