Most of us are aware of the importance of felt, tiles and many exterior roofing materials, but we tend to overlook the vital role rafters and joists play in the structure of our roof. Roof rafters and joists are made up of wood that is nailed, pegged or bolted together to create a structurally interdependent shape that offers great strength. Unfortunately, wood can be prone to water damage, so even a minor leak in your roof can compromise the structural integrity of your joists and rafters over time. Here we’ll explore roof rafter and joist replacement in more detail to help you determine if it is needed for your home.
The biggest enemy of any roof structures is water and rafters or joists are no exception. Water leaks can cause penetrating damp even in treated timbers. Even if your rafters and joists have been treated, the wood is unlikely to have been treated the entire way through its thickness. If your rafters sit on or in the walls, they will be even more susceptible to penetrating damp.
Another enemy of rafters and joists is rot or insect attack. These issues are typically associated with damp and can be problematic in older properties where no cavity walls or thick, solid walls support the bearing ends of your rafters. Rot and insects such as woodworm can cause the wood to start to crumble. The initial signs of woodworm are small holes on the surface of the wood, but eventually, the wood dries out, and the nutrients are drained, compromising the structural integrity of the rafter or joist.
Unfortunately, woodworm, or more precisely the adult beetles who spawn the woodworm larvae can migrate between May and October to find a fresh food source and new breeding ground.
Finally, your rafters and joists may be compromised by joint failure. Most modern roof structures use “nail plates,” which are plates fixed with screws, nails, and glue, but older timbers may be connected with wooden pegs or Mortise and Tenon joints, which can be eaten away by insects. This can allow the beams to move, which opens up the joint to further damage.
Before any repairs are performed, it is vital that the cause of the damage has been identified and corrected. Since the rafters and joists are bearing the weight of the roof, replacement can be a big job. If a single rafter needs to be replaced, it may be possible for it to be replaced in situ. However, in a worst case scenario, the roof may need to come off to provide suitable access for the removal and replacement.
If you suspect that your rafters or joists have been damaged, you can rely on us. Our recommended experts will examine your rafters and joists to determine if an internal removal and replacement is possible or if you will need more extensive work and discuss all the options with you, so you can make an informed decision.
I want to thank you for an excellent repair to the soffits. Great communication skills so easy to talk to and very understanding. I would strongly recommend him you will not be disappointed as he is trustworthy and careful a joy to deal with.
Ann
Very pleasant. Came to look first before job was done a few days later due to weather being bad. Understood what needed to be done. Told the price before job started.
Lorraine
Bill was very professional, and highly qualified. He gave us a very clear explanation of what the problem could be. He was well prepared and had everything with him to start the job straight away. His prices are fair. We are very happy with the service he provided and would not hesitate to use him in the future. Thank you!
Irenpuj
Very communicative and with a competitive price. Highly recommend.
Archie
All good no issues. Replaced downpipe and connected it to the extension. No complaints. Very friendly.
Mo
Just a quick call they came gave me a quote straight away and did the job the same day very friendly couple
Wayne
We can't thank Bill enough for going above and beyond! He is extremely professional and easy going and is so helpful. His pricing is really competitive and he is a really genuine person. I couldn't recommend his services enough. Thank you again Bill!
Khloe
Bill came out promptly to quote and complete the repair on our warehouse roof, have booked Bill and his team to do more maintenance work, great family company would not hesitate to recommend Bill and his company
Marcus
Very helpful and prompt. Would recommend and use again.
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