Repalcing Wod Beams In Attic

Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface.

Repalcing wod beams in attic.

If the existing joist system is very close to being sufficient to support a new attic flooring the addition of bridging between the joists may be all that s required. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Step 3 cut the timber to the desired size and screw into place. Measure the length of wood required for the space.

Cut the wood you ll use to wrap the new beam. Using a pry bar gently pry the beam loose from the ceiling. Attach the trim piece to wrap the beam image 3. If only part of the joist is damaged measure the space where the rotten wood has been removed.

Expose at least two trusses so that you can nail the replacement wood to them to make the replacement section stable. Set the depth of your circular saw to the thickness of the roof decking. Use a circular saw to cut two sets of new rafters from the same size wood by the same dimensions. But your beam could be made from other materials ranging from simple doubled 2x12s for shorter spans to more exotic beams consisting of glued and compressed stranded wood fibers or laminated 2x4s.

We have learned from our experience to use at least a 3 1 4 x 131 groove shank nail in a column of four every foot apart down the laminate. Cut away the damaged area. Cut the beam out of its resting place using a reciprocating saw. If you are replacing the entire joist you may screw the wood into the opposing top and bottom joists.

The wood should come away quite easily without much force. Prime spots in the attic for wood rot are on the underside of the roof decking in the joints where the wood members connect at the peak of the roof and at the edges of the attic where the. Pry out nails with a claw hammer or pry bar and remove the cut piece. Cut through any nails at the points where the beam is attached to the surrounding framing.

Step 2 determine the extent and area that you intend to repair or replace. The 2012 irc code calls for a minimum of a 32 o c. Nail a fill strip at the top and bottom of the beam which will bring the trim board to the desired width image 2. The beam system we show will work for nearly any opening up to 12 ft.

Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter. Cut a 45 degree angle so the edges will be properly mitered for a clean look. Staggered pattern with at least a 3 x 120 nail. Replacing a wood beam with steel the lvl beam had been installed in an earlier remodel to replace structural partitions supporting the second floor.