Repair Broken Roof Rafters

Although the rafter must be replaced if it is completely broken smaller areas of damage can be repaired through the application of a scab board.

Repair broken roof rafters.

Over time broken or cracked roof rafters can appear when wood gets old and dry. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Step 1 measure the damaged rafter. Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter.

An l channel that is 1 by 1 and at least 2 feet long should be adequate for most rafters. A cracked roof rafter needs to be repaired and can be done byf an experienced do it yourselfer. Repair damage to a rafter using scab boards. A cracked roof rafter can create a sagging and unsightly roof.

Regardless of the cause a split rafter must be repaired to ensure the. Rafters can also be damaged by a blow to the roof from falling branches. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Slip a bolt through each hole then place a flat washer lock washer and nut on the threads of each bolt.

Overview from time to time an attic rafter will split along a knot typically after having a new roof installed because of the workers walking around on it. Repairing this is called scabbing. Drill a pilot hole in the wood through each of the open holes in the angle iron. With the roof rafter pair straightened clamp new mid span cross ties in place and then nail the tie ends to the rafters.

A laser level was used to throw a straight line to determine when each pair of jacked rafters were straightened and the new collar tie could be attached. Rafters can split as a result of excessive weight on the roof or damage from fallen objects such as trees or power poles.