Replacing Rotted Roof Trusses

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.

Replacing rotted roof trusses. Things you ll need stepladder or extension ladder helper tape measure 2 by 6 inch boards salt treated circular saw speed square reciprocating saw drill with 1 2 inch bit 1 2 inch wooden dowels wood glue hammer. 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. If the old trusses are too bad theses may require placing new trusses or complete restoration of roof. Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter.

The first thing you need to do is to assess the damage. Check the old trusses. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape. Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar.

How to replace rotted wood rafters. To reinforce the ends of the trusses 3 4 inch plywood gussets were to be attached to both sides of each truss with 10d nails 3 inches on center on all chords. If the roof truss has a small crack you will be using the two wooden boards to patch it up but if the crack is much more severe you should use the steel plates because they offer much stronger support to the damaged truss. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface.

The basics of the process are as follows. How to replace the rafters without removing the roof. Discard the wood in a garbage bin as you work to. Cut out the section of the roofing.

The rotten wood will come away easily. The trusses needed to be lifted to their original height and cut flush with the inside face of the cmu wall with the rotted sections removed.