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
Warren did a super job for me, sorting out my broken tile and gutters quickly and without fuss. Wouldn't hesitate to use again, thank you.
Lesley R
Warren responded very quickly, was able to come the same day to take a look at and eventually repair a leaky roof. Very knowledgable and professional. And the leak is fixed!
Diane
Paul Williams got in touch when he said he would, gave the quote and did the job within reasonable time, somewhat set back by the weather. He was very easy to deal with and responded immediately to my emails. Full marks for that! I will use him again if I have a problem.
Hedli Tanner
Thoroughly recommend Paul. Contacted Paul after another roofer left us with a leaking flat roof and was unable to resolve the issue. Paul replaced the flat roof and no more leak. Would definitely use him again
Jennifer Simmonds
Could not have asked for a more. They were professional and efficient. Would highly recommend.
Gary
After posting the advert for a garage roof that needed a complete overhaul David was able to visit straight away. He was very knowledgeable and talked me through all of the details. Their quote was the most competitive and communication was excellent! The roof was completed to a very high standard and I am very impressed with the company. Would definitely recommend them to friends and family!
Alix
Fantastic job! I wouldn't hesitate to hire David and his team again.
Ian
5 tiles replaced and gutter work including facias and gutter cleaning. Michael from MK maintenance carried out some work on my mum’s house done a great job and would highly recommend very clean and tidy and we would definitely use for further work and to recommend to family and friends thanks.
Michael Lorefice
Mike did a great job cleaned up well after and disposed of all the rubbish. Will use again and would recommend him to anyone.
Mark
We had worked carried out last year that was excellent by Micheal. He was very polite, tidy and reliable. Had a small problem and he came straight out and corrected it. Would definitely recommend.
Rosie
Michael was quick to investigate and identify the source of my leak and resolved the issue promptly for a very fair price. He was really easy to talk to and I'd highly recommend him to others looking to get roofing work completed!
Alex
RFR made the time to come out and inspect the bay roof which had leaked in the previous night following a heavy storm. He explained that it needed a repair not a replacement and set to work straight away. They explained very clearly what needed doing and the the cost involved, which was very reasonable. We were very relieved to say the least, having assumed the roof might need a very costly replacement. We would have been none the wiser had someone confirmed our worse fears. RFR were very honest and helpful and even troubled to advise us on how to make good the damage to the inside decoration. We would not hesitate to use RFR again and can recommend him without reservation.
Andrew
Saved me from a real emergency. Great care from start to finish. Would highly recommend.
Hana Ellis
Paul and his team did a first class job after we had been let down by other people. Someone who turns up and does what he says he’ll do. I have no hesitation in recommending this company for any roof repairs.
Tony Slatter
Michael is very knowledgeable and his advice was invaluable in deciding the best option to repair my ridge tiles on my roof. His quote was very competitive and the standard of his work was very high, moreover he ensured that any mess was tidied up and taken away for disposal. I have not hesitation in recomending MK Maintenance.
Raymond Tully
Good service kept us informed from start to finish roofers on time and polite
Kenneth Swan
Excellent roofer
Mary
Warren was so professional and helpful. Warren put right our guttering that was done so poorly by a different company. We are extremely happy with the service and wouldn't hesitate to employ him again for future roofing work. Thank you.
Mrs sharon m Brown
Paul Williams responded immediately and visited to survey the job and explained what was required - very friendly chap. A week later I received a quote. My inclination is to take up Paul’s quote but I am ‘still’ waiting for other quotes from other companies before committing myself.
Ray Pinner
Called on Monday afternoon, Toby came out the next morning and my roof leak was sorted in the afternoon by Mark and Shaun, Thankyou guys for such great service and the price was good too.
Ashley Davis
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