Replacing Rotted Roof Trusses

How to replace the rafters without removing the roof.

Replacing rotted roof trusses.

Cut out the section of the roofing. 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. Measure the length of framing wood needed with a measuring tape. 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 these have only small portions with rot you can repair using the boards. If the old trusses are too bad theses may require placing new trusses or complete restoration of roof. 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. The first thing you need to do is to assess the damage.

Check the old trusses. If the entire rafter was rotten use the. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. 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.

The rotten wood will come away easily. Remove the rotted wood with a chisel and pry bar. 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. How to replace rotted wood rafters.

The basics of the process are as follows. Slide one of the newly cut rafter legs into position directly next to the old rafter.