How To Replace A Rotted Roof Rafter

Install new 2x4 lookouts to replace rotted ones or screw a new one to the old one if it s mostly sound.

How to replace a rotted roof rafter.

Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter. Use a hammer and nails to. Replace rotted lookouts so you have a good nailing surface for your new soffit boards photo 7. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw.

How to replace the rafters without removing the roof step 1. The rotten wood will come away easily. If you are using an extension. Note that a squirrel had built a large nest above the soffit shown here.

Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Assuming it s in good shape you can leave it in place and install the new materials around it. When measuring extend the. Use your tape measure to record the.

Pull down to remove the old soffit. Cut away rotten or damaged rafters. Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. Cut out the section of the roofing.

If the entire rafter was rotten use the length. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape. How to replace rotted rafter ends on a gable roof step 1. Measure from the end of the rafter tail to the area of good wood with a tape measure.

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. Examine the condition of the rafter the thick beam running the length of the overhang. Discard the wood in a. 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.

Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. Make the new section twice as long as the rafter tail. Place a stepladder or extension ladder under the rafter end with the most damage. Screw a new section of rafter to the old one to reinforce the tail.

Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing.