Repairing Rotted Roof Rafters

The new section of timber is now put in place with the threaded steel bars sitting in the slot.

Repairing rotted roof rafters.

Start by prying away the bottom and sides of the old eaves and cutting new materials to match. 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. Replacing rotted rafter ends on a gable roof is a matter of removing the existing ends and installing new wood. Fortunately repairing rotten or weathered eaves is a relatively simple project that you can do yourself without ever having to climb onto your roof.

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. Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter. 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.

Cut out the section of the roofing. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Slot cut out in existing timber. Use a circular saw to cut two sets of new rafters from the same size wood by the same dimensions.

This video shows from start to finish the repair of rotted endbeams on a house using the endrot system. Always use a blade guide when working with a circular saw. Apply a resilient weatherproof coating to the new pieces then secure them using stainless steel nails. To be on the safe side apply a waterproof wood sealant to the other rafters to protect them as well.

Rotted wood rafters in a roof are a serious issue. Keep your fingers away from the blade at all times. Cut off the rotted rafter tail with a reciprocating saw. Cut a piece of 1 by pressure treated lumber that is longer than the replacement board by 4 to 6 inches.