Repairing Rotted Roof Rafters

Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface.

Repairing rotted roof rafters.

Replacing rotted rafter ends on a gable roof is a matter of removing the existing ends and installing new wood. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw. Although it is a straightforward process it is necessary to take your time to ensure a solid repair. 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.

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. Keep your fingers away from the blade at all times. The new section of timber is now put in place with the threaded steel bars sitting in the slot. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs.

Start by prying away the bottom and sides of the old eaves and cutting new materials to match. Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches. To be on the safe side apply a waterproof wood sealant to the other rafters to protect them as well. Apply a resilient weatherproof coating to the new pieces then secure them using stainless steel nails.

This video shows from start to finish the repair of rotted endbeams on a house using the endrot system. Remove weak spongy wood preserve and protect wood wi. Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter. Step 1 place a stepladder or extension ladder under the rafter end with the most damage.

Always use a blade guide when working with a circular saw. To do this you will need to cut a slot into the existing truss rafter or joist in a u shape to the required length of the threaded steel bars in the new section of timber. Fortunately repairing rotten or weathered eaves is a relatively simple project that you can do yourself without ever having to climb onto your roof. Slot cut out in existing timber.