How To Replace A Rotted Roof Rafter

Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape.

How to replace a rotted roof rafter.

The rotten wood will come away easily. If it shows signs of rotting water damage or other wear you ll need to chop it out using a reciprocating saw. 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.

Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Pull down to remove the old soffit. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it.

Cut a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber. Use a hammer and nails to. Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. Make the new section twice as long as the rafter tail.

Use your tape measure to record the. 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. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing. How to replace rotted rafter ends on a gable roof step 1.

Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang. How to replace rotted wood rafters step 1. Discard the wood in a. Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches.

Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw. If the entire rafter was rotten use the length. Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound. Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7.

Cut out the section of the roofing. Cut away rotten or damaged rafters. 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. How to replace the rafters without removing the roof step 1.

If you are using an extension. Screw a new section of rafter to the old one to reinforce the tail.