Replacing Rotten Roof Timbers

When repair is no longer an option the roof rafters must be replaced.

Replacing rotten roof timbers.

They can span as much as 20 feet and many times they can be doubled as decorative pieces. Wood beams are used to support a bearing load from a roof or second floor. A new piece of timber is cut a to replace the damaged piece and the joists plates are positioned ether side of the joists with the end of the joist plate right up against the edge of the timber so it is the joist plate that site on the bearer a. If you were able to keep the removed section in one piece measure it.

Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. Not only is this faster but the fixed wood is stronger than the original. Inspect and assess the damaged section of timber and determine where it needs to be cut to prop the timber along it s length using suitably sturdy props such as acro props once supported cut off the damaged end leaving only solid un damaged timber now. First remove the rotten wood and then replace it with new rafters.

If not climb the roof and measure the opening so you can cut the replacement piece to be a perfect fit. Replace the roof decking select plywood or oriented strand board that is the same thickness as the wood you are replacing. The basics of the process are as follows. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile.

A combination of replacing rotten or failed timber with new timber and strengthening with resin bonded steel or carbon fibre rods can be adopted to good effect in many situations. If wet rot occurs in structural timbers such as roof trusses floor joists expert advice should be sought as the implication for structural integrity must be established. In other areas the rotten timbers should be removed and replaced. It takes paint well and won t rot.

When you come across rotted wood in your old house projects instead of replacing the damaged wood you also can repair it with specialty epoxy penetrants also called consolidants and fillers to make repairs. The joist plate is bolted to the timber making the joint b as strong as the original joist. These plates are a quick and neat solution for joist ends that aren t going to be seen. This project requires two parts.

The length also reduces the fulcrum effect so there shouldn t be any great stresses applied to the existing timber. If the damaged area is fairly small it can be cut away and a new piece of timber joined to that remaining. The rotten timber should be removed first and the end of the joist treating to discourage any further rot.