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
Friendly and helpful. Kept to appointment arranged. Quoted for work required. Seems very reasonable.
Clarke
Warren was very helpful, knowledgeable and efficient in helping with my roof problem . He arrived same day and was a very reasonable price. Can highly recommend!
Gary Rampton
Paul and his team did an excellent job on our roof repairing storm damage and fitting dry ridge and verge systems. He is very knowledgeable and uses top quality materials. He is also friendly and polite. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to friends and family.
Andrew S.
Mark did a great job and handled everything professionally- wasn’t the cheapest but price was reasonable . A proper quote rather than a verbal estimate. Will definitely definitely use him again.
Michael Lee
I made contact with Ashley after suffering roof damage during the recent storms. I was asked to send a photo of the damage and he responded with an estimate, which I accepted. Within two days he came as promised and made a very good repair to damaged roof tiles. My neighbours all agree that his work looks excellent.
David Rivett
Fantastic service, we had an emergency that although couldn’t be fully resolved immediately, they made sure it was watertight in the meantime. Now the job is finished and I am so pleased. Would recommend these experienced knowledgeable and nice guys to any one for their services. Thanks!
Emmy Callaghan
The service from Mark was first class. We received a quote for the repair work required as a result of storm Eunice the same day I requested his roofing repair service. He visited and completed the necessary work the next day.
David Funge
100% happy . Mark and Ashley were excellent very fast responding to our call after storm Eunice . They have high standards of workmanship are trustworthy and friendly deserve all praise given. Will be our chosen business for any future work.
David Hodgkin
We phoned Micheal on a Friday evening, he come out Saturday Morning at 9.30, we had a few roof tiles slip, he did the work, to a high standard, he even removed some moss what was sitting on the top guttering, which could of caused another problem, Michael is a Calm , easy to talk to man, who listens , he also tells you , what the problem is , how his going to fix it, and a very reasonable price. I will definitely recommend him to anyone. His already done my neighbours slipped tiles.
Mandy Walsh
Good efficient service but at a price!
Robin Hind
Paul is a really nice guy. He gave a sensible quote for the job and stuck to it. He carried out the work on the day and time that he'd promised. Everything quoted for was carried out to the letter and the site was left clean and tidy.
Paul Adams
Very prompt and quick service. All work carried out as per quote within a few days. Would recommend.
Beverley Sinden
Excellent service
Trevor
Michael was there when I needed my roof fixed, he came round in short notice gave me a price and was there fixing the leak whilst I was sleeping after my nightshift, when I awoke the job was done, I hope Michael will be there for me again if I need him in the future. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family. He is a good and reliable honest tradesman.
Steve
Cannot fault the work done on the roof. The men who carried out our roof repair and maintenance did so to a very high standard.
Neil Mousley
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
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
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