Replacing Rotten Roof Joists

Repairing roof joists yourself.

Replacing rotten roof joists.

Short videos and slideshow documenting our attempt at replacing rotten joists and flooring in a kitchen of a house we are currently renovating. This repair technique did get some serious consideration and nearly won out. Over time roof rafters can wear crack or rot and replacements may be in order. Rotten roof joists are a severe problem and commonly lead to underlying issues and damage to opposing structures.

This is obviously in the worst case scenario if the timbers are so badly damaged that there is no chance of repairing them and the only choice left is to remove all damaged trusses and replace with new ones. Replacing an entire roof truss. This part of. The best way to repair the end of a joist is to remove the damp or affected end after the floor or ceiling has been propped up as one would if removing or forming an opening through a load bearing wall with acrow props.

Repair and reinforce joists that have soft discolored areas with rotted wood putty. Joist repair plates fixed to timbers. Repair using joist end repair plates. How to position fix and align joist plates.

If only a few joists are rotted primarily at the bottom they can be repaired using a process known as sistering after the rot is cleaned away and the timber treated to prevent more problems a new joist is laid beside the old. Let it dry and then apply a second coat of sealer. A new piece of timber is cut a to replace the damaged piece and the joists plates are. I used 3 screws in this case i also put a nice little bit of glue between the new piece and the other joist for more gripping strength.

While it is not entirely impossible to take on a diy roof joist repair replacing or repairing a damaged roof joist is a complicated procedure that requires precision. The process of replacing existing rafters so that your roof remains intact without removing the roof to do it requires some basic carpentry skills and a few common tools. It s a traditional repair is low cost and can be finished to match the original joist. Cut a reinforcing joist from pressure treated lumber.

When replacing rotted floor joists it s important to be sure the girder and sill are still intact. I used the same size board 2x6 and cut out one piece to replace the rotted piece. Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter. 3 apply sealer apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damaged joist.

Use a hammer and chisel to remove any rotted portions of joists. The rotten joist end is cut off and an angle cut is made to bottom of the beam to allow a new part to be bolted on a good distance from the fulcrum point. Wood rotting from the inside out compromises the structural integrity of the rafter.