Roof Rafter and Joist Replacement
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 Leading Causes of Rafter and Joist Failure
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.
Replacing Damaged Rafters and Joists
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.
Need a Roofer?
Popular Local Roofers
- Shipborne
- Southborough
- Sutton
Need a Roofer?
Recent Reviews About The Roofers
From the first phone call to the follow up calls after the work was completed such a professional team . I can happily recommend to any one looking to have work done.
Beau West
Really happy with company, great bunch of lads to deal with really good quality of workmanship
David Woodhouse
Im a builder and have used RFR several times and can recommend
Daniel Harrison
Quite pleasant to deal with, very clean and tidy, pleased with the work and price. I have already recommended to friends.
James Garland
I had RFR in to re set my ridge tiles. Couldn’t have been more happier with the outcome!
Ian Chant
So far so good
Paul
The work has been carried out to professional standard, the guys were really friendly and carried out the work quickly with no issues. Great job!! Would definitely use again.
Paul
Shaun and sons team did a great job on our roof repairs and did exactly what was required. Very polite and a professional service. Very pleased
Paul
Speedy response, very honest advice. Excellent service and a really nice person to deal with, thank you for your time.
Carol
H10 provided a written quote promptly, their team and scaffloders were polite, prompt, tidy and took the time to explain and show what they were doing. All in all a hassle free and recommended service.
Mr S Fagan
Paul fixed storm damage to my roof. He gave a prompt quote and despite being very busy he repaired the roof in excellent time whilst keeping in contact. Paul was a pleasure to deal with and I would highly recommend his services.
Jodi
Shaun and his colleagues were very professional and fixed our dangerously leaky garage roof (a complete replacement) in excellent time. We were sent images of their progress and they kept in contact at every stage. We would absolutely recommend them based on our experience. Thanks again, Shaun and Sons!
Mr. and Mrs. Pocklington
Mr short kindly visited during the weekend as a weekday was not convenient for me, offered really good advice and check on an existing flat room that had a leak. Identified problem very quickly that a previous builder had failed to see on numerous visits. Very pleased with the outcome and hopefully no future leaks.
Lewis
Paul recently fitted a Velux roof light and undertook adjacent roof repairs. Hi attitude and expertise were great and would thoroughly recommend him for similar work. His pricing was fair and reasonable and was fully committed to making my installation waterproof before he left for the day-even though it was dark and raining!
Mark Deffley
Found leytons details on my trusted expert when we had an unexpected roof leak. From the first time I spoke with him I felt re-assured that not only did he seem very experienced but also was working on my side. Explained all the issues that arose and gave me options. Very pleased to use him and will be going back to him to sort out the back roof soon! Thanks again.
Tom Butler
Great service. Paul and his team came the day he said and completely removed and reset all the ridge using a dry fixing system so no more repointing. All this and a couple of other fixes done in a day and as quoted. Great bunch of lads, couldn't be happier.
Pete
Excellant service, very helpful with out leaking flat roof .professional job done ,fair price.Would highly recomend him.
Peter Harton
The previous roofer i had supposedly fixed the job, but appeared he did not, kept promising to come back, but didn't, left water pouring through my bedroom roof . I contacted Paul returned my call swiftly, came out the following day as i could not make same day. Paul assessed roof and advised what needed to be done to fix the roof. Roof has been fixed 3 days now and we have had lots of heavy rain and i cannot see a drop. I am exceptionally please and will highly reccomend Paul, he is polite and he certainly knows his job. Many Thanks Paul !
Caroline
Perfect service and quality job no mess and quick service excellent.
Denis Ritchie
Paul looked at the work that needed doing the same day. Provided a quote the following day and completed within 3 days.Excellent job of lifting and rebedding the ridge tiles to our bungalow. Explained exactly the work to be carried out. A very trustworthy contractor ,clean and tidy. Would recommend without hesitation.
Steve
My Trusted Expert Guarantee
Experts Have Been Vetted & Certified