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
First class service from start to finish. Alan called within about 10 minutes of my online request, looked at roof the next day as promised and called with findings and quote. Arrived to do job on the exact day that he said he would and completed job. Would definitely recommend without hesitation!
Elaine More
Very swift response from Louis, followed by speedy and successful repairs at a reasonable price . Very efficient, knowledgeable and friendly team. Would use them again and recommend to others.
Anonymous
Have used L and M a few times now for several different properties. Outstanding service each time and managed to find and repair faults that others could not. Highly recommend!!!
Anonymous
I called Louis when I was horrified to discover I was missing a tile on my roof and I had 1 sq ft hole in my roof. He came by the same day, within a couple of hours, climbed onto the roof and replaced the tile within 5 minutes! He then declined payment in favour of a good review here. So, once again, many thanks Louis - you're a lifesaver!!
Anonymous
So glad we have found a roofer which we can call upon for any future roofing works. Pleasant, honest and genuinely a nice guy. The job was done promptly and he even left us some extra tiles as spares. Thank you Louis for responding to our enquiry so quickly! Job satisfaction 100%! Would not hesitate to recommend.
Anonymous
Thank you Louis and your team Lloyd Scott &Fred you were all very polite,cheerful,and friendly and nothing was too much trouble.You informed us of what would happen from start to finish with the roof and what a great job you have made of it.Everything was swept and tidied away after a days work.If we could give you more than ten out of ten we would.We cant praise you highly enough for the work you have done.We would recommend you to anyone.A brillant roofing company.Thank you. Val and Gordon Dicks
Val
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
A+ roofer, will definitely use again.
Buckland
Louis provided a fantastic service, he was able to visit us the day after I asked for his help, and called beforehand to say he was on his way. A section of the wire mesh protecting our solar panels had come loose. Louis carefully repaired it so that we don't have to worry about those pesky squirrels and pigeons making a nest. Excellent job, so friendly and courteous. Thank you Louis. Would 100% recommend.
Eastney
The company was exquisite and delivered a quality service. They were nothing but friendly and honest. Everything was delivered on time, especially in the hot weather, and to an exceptional standard. I would have no problem recommending Lewis and his team again as they are experts at what they do.
Cosham
This is the third time we have used Louis. Another exceptional job carried out on my property. Will definately use again and will highly recommend to friends and family.
Anonymous
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
Louis came out promptly to quote. He was very knowledgeable, and suggested with the age of the roof it would be better to replace rather than repair. I am glad we did as the roof did not have any boarding and there had been signs of water damage where the roof joined the garage. He arranged a team to clear the Debris before he started to lay the new roof, so the area was kept clean and clear. Louis and his team were very polite and nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend them.
Hampshire
Paul and his team recently replaced our roof. They did an excellent job, carrying out the work in a professional and friendly way. I will be recommending Paul to our friends, family and neighbours.
Andy B
Quick to respond and turned up on time with work completed Can't fault these guys at all will definitely recommend and use them again
Neil Mitchell
We found Michael very knowledgeable and a excellent worker very clean and tidy at the end of a job would highly recommend him to anyone .
Patricia york
Brilliant job done, kept us informed every step of the process and the price was price paid, great people to deal with always on time. Cleaned up during and after job done. Full roof replaced at a great price and would have no hesitation using the company again or recommending them to friends and family or anyone who needs work on there roof. 5 STAR SERVICE
John
Can't fault the professional and personal approach from C.R.S Roofing. When you're putting your trust in someone coming to your home and carrying out works than can be expensive and time-consuming, it's crucial you have someone who communicates well, often and appropriately; doesn't feed you excuses but is upfront and honest; arrives when they say they're going to arrive; and do what they say they're going to do, at the agreed price and time, and to a high standard. C.R.S Roofing did all of this. We required a chimney and old skylight to be taken away, with a velux window and new skylight fitted. This was done quickly, with minimal disruption or mess, and we are very happy with the results. Any delays or issues were quickly raised, discussed and mitigated. Highly recommended.
Alan B
Great and reliable service. Alan repaired my roof giving good advice and carrying out the work when he said he would. Will definitely use him again.
Neil
Very satisfied with work carried out on gutters. Competitive price, polite very pleasant to deal with. Will definitely use CRC Roofing again. Thanks.
Patricia
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