Replace Roof Rafter Tails

How to replace rotted rafter ends on a gable roof.

Replace roof rafter tails.

I replace the damaged wood and prep for the new roof installation. When the soft rotted areas are confined to the very ends of the rafters you can repair the rafters without disturbing the roof. Cut the fascia. Removing termite damaged rafters and starter boards.

In this video i show you how to easy replace a rafter tail. Hope you like this video please share it if you like it. Fix a rafter tail step 1 remove the molding between the fascia and the side of the house using a pry bar. Make two lines on the side of the replacement rafter end and the end of the rafter 1 inch from the top and bottom edges.

This type of repair affects the structural integrity of the entire roof. Tip to increase the strength of your new and existing rafters and to help eliminate the chances of sideways movement consider installing a support board across the rafter endings on both sides of the roof. But if the decay is on the rafter tail above the house s soffit a do it yourselfer can usually complete this type of rafter repair. Take the time to rip the top of the fascia at the angle of the roof.

Pull the old rafter end away from the roof eave. Work carefully so you can. It s a better fit provides more surface against the rafter tail and more support at the soffit. If you have damaged rafter tails your roof is at risk of flooding rotting or potentially even collapsing this condition is a serious one and you should take the time to replace any rotted or damaged rafter tails quickly and before the issue becomes worse.

Step 5 remove the shingles underlayment and plywood sheathing directly over the rotted rafter tails if damage extends more than few inches from the end of the rafters. If the damage is really bad sometimes it s appropriate to add a sister tail or remove the tail and dummy another one in. This is where your wooden dowels will insert into the wood. Hold the replacement against the end of the remaining rafter.

Dry rot on the ends of gable rafters must be addressed before it spreads to the roof sheathing or rafters in the attic.