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.
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Recent Reviews About The Roofers
Great service from Alan and his team. Kept us informed throughout. Would rehighly recommend.
Jane Reid
Very pleased with the new roof to our extension. Excellent communication - came out quickly to provide a quote - work done speedily and efficiently in very cold weather. Thank you.
Gary
Small job fixing ridge tiles. Good quality work, done promptly and at a fair price.
Dave Hoskins
On my journey to find what is the issue with my roof Michael came recommended by another very high ranking professional who deemed its best to get some roof work done before I attempt to clean moss. I have nothing but kind words to describe Michael's professionalism, knowledge and skill. He has a very sharp eye and can pinpoint anything wrong with the roof and is incredibly honest and clear on what options we have on how to attempt to do the work. He provides an update every day on what is done and what is left and is incredibly clean and tidy when doing the work. He has so much compassion of the family situation and provides options for work to be done to suit the family budget. He has been so kind, knowledgeable, and honest with us that he has made something as devastating as roof works in 2 months of moving in, for a first time buyer, something manageable. He is always on time and has prioritised to do work even when the temperatures were below 0 just to make sure our roof wasn't leaking with the bad weather saving us a lot of potential damage. He is very trustworthy and I would recommend him and use him again if needed.
Didi
I contacted L&M roofing on Saturday, the problem with the damaged chimney, we met on Sunday, we agreed on the work, on Monday it was already done, before and after photos, efficiently and professionally. Thank you I'm waiting for the first heavy rain 🙂
Sebastian
We lost a tile overnight in the recent storms - gave him a ring when we noticed it (on a wet & windy Saturday) - he was here within the hour and job completed 10mins after arriving. He was almost too embarrassed to charge us - but we were happy to pay for his service (and obviously did). Great guy and a great job done. Highly recommended - and such a nice chap as well. We will definitely use him again.
David Morgan
I can't praise Steve and his team highly enough. Exemplary standard of workmanship, courteous, punctual, tidy, considerate and reasonably priced. The work (replacing soffits, fascias & guttering) was completed on time, on budget and to the highest standard. The site was thoroughly cleaned before they left. I would unreservedly recommend giving Steve the chance to quote for your job and am sure that you won't be sorry.
Rogers
Very professional, Very happy with the end result. Would recommend 100%
Pam
Amazing from start to finish
Sophie
Would recommend SDB building. Communications are always excellent, and the team deliver high quality works on the promised timescale.
Stephen
Quick and efficient response to the major issue found when doing work, communications were excellent throughout the work, photos supplied of completed work which is very helpful. While not the cheapest or most expensive, work completed looks 5*, it was not rushed.
Steve
I needed some repairs to roof & drainpipes adjusting. Steve came as agreed, gave a competitive quote, was friendly & helpful offering good sound advice. His colleagues tidied up and seem to have resolved the problems. Thank you to him & his colleagues
Sue
Very helpful and thorough did a brilliant job and very friendly.. Would definitely use them again highly recommend
Christine
The work was delayed by weather but Steve kept me updated, and I was completely happy with end result
Peter
Prompt reply and dealt with problem immediately, and corrected problem which was left by original company! Thank you
Terrie
Steve turned up as promised and the job was carried out quickly and efficiently. I would definitely use again!
Paul
Steve and the guys did a great job replacing the valley, installing an eaves tray and felt replacement on the chimney and chimney flaunching to name just a few of the repairs. High quality job - I can tell by the photos they undertook before and after. Reliable time keeping, they worked hard, kept tidy and above all the communication was excellent. I have used them several times before for different building jobs and they always provide a high level of service which is customer focused. Highly recommended.
Colette
Great team of guys who responded to our urgent repair needs. Steve was happy to talk us through the issues he could see and the options and costs of correcting them, before starting work, so there were no surprises. Work was completed on time and to a high standard.
Patrick
Needed a Velux window removed from the roof and also some repairs. Team were professional, efficient and got the job done in a day. Will be using them again and would highly recommend if you need work done
Jake
A bit pricey but work all done within two weeks of first site visit - actual work on the day took about 1 hour and old materials removed as well.
Roy Chatterton
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