Hello everyone. Im looking for some advice on replacing ceiling rafters. Ineed to replace 3 of them in my sunroom. Could I take 1 out at a time without any structural problems. Whats the best way to replicate the rafters. Thanks in advance for all feedback
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
There's a constant source of clean water for you to use, and all you have to do is collect it.
Featured Video
SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than BeforeHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Need more info. The title says roof rafter, the text says ceiling ... which is it? Or since it's a sun room, are the roof rafters exposed on the underside? And why do you need to replce three? Are they rotten? Have you addressxed the rot problem first?
I'm going to jump out on a limb and say that, very generally speaking, you could replace one at a time as long as there are no heavy loads on that one member.
Replicate ... do you mean make a new copy with the same angled cuts and length? Make some referencxe marks on the side of the old rafter, barefully cut it out in a few pieces, and reassemble it laying on thop of the new wood.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
sorry for the mix-up. they are roof rafters that have to be replaced. I tore down the drop ceiling to open up the room and found 3 of the rafters were cut in 2 pieces. They are 2x6 boords but sistered with 2x4 pieces of wood. look very ugly, want to paint them. thanks again for all feedback
What about sistyering a 2x6 full length, so it looks like a doubled rafter? You could cut it just short enough to get in place, and it would be the easiest method. if you remove a roof rafter, you will need to cut loose the roof sheathing and re-nail it to the new rafter. If you don't cut the ends of the nails flush, the new rafter will push on nail up through the shingles.
How was the drop ceiling attached? Are there horizontal ceiling joists exposed now? Or was it a cathedral ceiling.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
What if he has 15 rafters to sister to make them all look like the 3 he has to fix? That seems like alot more work. How would you actually fit the new rafters into the old places? How do you lift the roof to roll in the new rafter?Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I don't think I would worry about having 3 doubled rafters out of 12-15 in the room. No one will notice. It will be much less noticible than having three 2x6 with scraps of 2x4 nailed to the sides.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
My thoughts exactly.
thank you all for your help. I took your advice and just sistered the joist along the whole span. Thanks again
Notch bottom corner of the width of the 2x joist the depth of the plate it will sit on, roll it till the top of the rafter touches the roof and wallop it in.
be tight and move yer thumbnail out of the way. andbe easier said than done:o)
A person with no sense of humor about themselves is fullashid
Edited 6/11/2005 5:56 pm ET by razzman
I'm with Ed on this one. Sister a new rafter next to the cut ones, removing is opening a can of worms. Once its painted, who will even notice besides you?
How much money do you have? You could drywall or use tongue and groove under existing then do 2x4 false rafters under that. That would allow you to insulate and keep the room cooler in warm weather. Don't you have roofing nails poking through?