Repairing Guides

how to repair rotted roof

by Josiane Greenholt Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Fix a Rotten Board on a Roof

  • Safety First. Take safety precautions at every step in the process. ...
  • Remove Rotted Board. Pull the shingles and underlying felt off the entire board, not just the area that's rotted. ...
  • Measure and Cut. Measure the area where your new board will go. ...
  • Place New Board and Reroof. Place the new decking board on the roof. ...

Part of a video titled Roof Repair and Wood Rot - YouTube
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Rot. When a roof is replaced you have to remove the existing material that's there and sometimes youMoreRot. When a roof is replaced you have to remove the existing material that's there and sometimes you find a little bit of wood rot underneath.

Full Answer

How do you fix a rotted roof on a house?

Gain access to the attic to inspect the plywood or roof decking. Look up at the roof area. Note bad areas for removal. Remove the shingles over the area of the rotted roof decking identified previously. Locate nails that hold shingles in place by lifting up on the end shingle above the one you plan to remove.

Should you repair or replace a rotted wood roof?

When you fix rotted wood on your roof, you help to keep it watertight to prevent leaks and additional damage. Whether you replace the entire roof or just a section, the work you do gives you more life out of your roof. Matt Brown has been writing professionally for more than 15 years.

How to fix rotted eaves on a roof?

[Solution] How to Fix Rotted Eaves 1 Remove the gutters and roof flashing if needed. 2 Pry off the shingle mold. 3 Pull away the rotten fascia. 4 Remove the old soffit. 5 Cut away rotten or damaged rafters. See More....

Why fix rotten roof decking?

Whether you are replacing your entire roof or repairing a small area, fixing rotten sections of roof decking, or sheathing, is vital to creating a sound, watertight structure.

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How do you fix plywood on a roof?

0:0111:06How-To Repair Damaged Roofing Plywood|Roof Repair Step by StepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 prepare work area by removing existing felt underlayment protip removing metal or plasticMoreStep 1 prepare work area by removing existing felt underlayment protip removing metal or plastic caps. First makes this a lot easier.

How do you replace rotten plywood on a roof?

5:4011:50How To Replace Roof Plywood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're going to bang all these nails that are in here down get them out of your way so when you'MoreAnd you're going to bang all these nails that are in here down get them out of your way so when you're putting in your new pieces. It's not going to catch. And make it more difficult on yourself.

How do you repair a rotted ceiling?

Scrape off peeling or flaking paint or ceiling rot with a putty knife until you reach the good ceiling layer underneath. ... Apply liquid epoxy filler in the cavity left after you remove the rotted area. ... Paint the repaired area with a paintbrush or a paint roller to match the color of the rest of the ceiling.More items...

How do you repair a roof yourself?

1:2214:43DIY: Roof Repair - 1 of 4 - tearing off old shingles and rotten woodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first things first you need a hammer. And you need a pry bar and the pry bar you just use to workMoreSo first things first you need a hammer. And you need a pry bar and the pry bar you just use to work under the shingles and what you want to do is you want to work the immediate area loose.

Can you put new roof sheathing over old?

Although I don't think installing new plywood roof sheathing over the old would be a grave mistake, I would not recommend doing it, for several reasons. The new plywood will have to be nailed to the rafters or roof trusses.

Should I replace the plywood on my roof?

Rotted plywood can cause a number of issues. Rotted plywood cannot support the weight of a roof the way healthy wood can, nor can it safely grip the nails put into the roof and keep them held firm. Moisture causes wood to rot, and rotten wood absorbs water even more readily than fresh wood.

What do you do if your ceiling has water damage?

Remove damaged ceiling materials and properly dry the area. For easier cleanup, put down drop cloths to catch all the debris. Wet drywall will crumble and should be rather easy to tear out completely. If it is only stained, you can cut out the damaged portion and replace it with a new piece of drywall.

What happens when ceiling gets wet?

As the water saturates the ceiling material, it also weakens it. The weight of the water will then cause the ceiling to start to sag. Although most common in drop tile ceilings, water can also cause drywall and plaster ceilings to sag as well. Typically, a sagging ceiling indicates a moderate water leak or issue.

Can you paint over water damage?

If a water stain has caused any damage, e.g. cracks or flaking plaster, make sure that you repair the area first. This will help get a great finish and improve paint adhesion. To cover the stain, you will need a specialist stain blocker (such as the Zinsser Cover Stain (opens in new tab)) or an oil-based paint.

What is the fastest way to patch a roof?

1:204:04How To Patch A Roof Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI usually take and run an extra beat along under each of the tabs. So that I get a little bit extraMoreI usually take and run an extra beat along under each of the tabs. So that I get a little bit extra adhesion. And then press those down. So that they're firm in 24 hours that repair will be solid.

Is Flex Seal good for roof leaks?

Flex seal for rooftops is the ideal product to manage roof leaks. The sealant can be placed on the roof when it is leaking or has a leaking problem. Flex seal comes in a liquid form, making it easier to apply and works superbly. It protects the roof from rust stains, UV rays, and mildew growth.

What materials are needed to repair a roof?

16 Common Roof Repairing Materials and Tools Every Roofer UsesLadder, Scaffold, or Shingle Lift. ... Fall Protection Kit. ... Toe Boards. ... Chalk Line. ... Crowbar or Utility Bar. ... Flat Head Shovel. ... Hammer or Roofing Nailer. ... Roofing Nails.More items...•

How do you fix rotted plywood?

There are two basic ways of repairing rotten plywood, by replacement or by treating it with epoxy-based compounds. The decision usually comes down to one of cost, with larger repairs requiring replacement, rather than repair. The first thing to do is to identify the extent and source of the damage.

How do you remove old roof sheathing?

1:112:47How to Tear Off the Roof Deck and Shingle Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWill use specially designed roofing tear off shovels a large flat shovel or a serrated edge shovelMoreWill use specially designed roofing tear off shovels a large flat shovel or a serrated edge shovel to remove the existing roofing materials. It's better to use good.

How do you replace plywood?

2:397:43How to Remove and Replace a Rotten Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe could patch the existing hole with plywood. But getting the new subfloor to match up perfectlyMoreWe could patch the existing hole with plywood. But getting the new subfloor to match up perfectly with the old subfloor is not something we want to tackle.

How do you install plywood on a roof?

0:292:55Roof Sheathing Installation Tips from Georgia-Pacific - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst ensure that the roof framing rafters. And upper truss cords are all in alignment. Use blockingMoreFirst ensure that the roof framing rafters. And upper truss cords are all in alignment. Use blocking to fix any areas of twisted framing and to provide a level surface for the panels.

Locate Dry Rot Roof Damage

If you're only replacing the portion of the roof with damage, you need to find out the extent and location of that damage. Inspect the inside of your home for leaks. On a rainy day, look for stained drywall or wood on ceilings and in attics or crawl spaces.

Remove the Shingles

Pry up shingles around the damaged area. Each shingle is typically secured by eight nails: four through the middle just above the tabs and four through the shingle above it. Pull up the felt paper underneath the shingles. Working your way up the roof, expose all of the rotted wood.

Remove the Rotten Wood

When replacing roof decking, you first need to get rid of the old, rotten section. You may need to cut a little extra to expose enough of the trusses and make sure you get rid of all the rotten wood. Set the depth of your circular saw to the thickness of the roof decking. Cut away the damaged area.

Replace the Roof Decking

Select plywood or oriented strand board that is the same thickness as the wood you are replacing. If you were able to keep the removed section in one piece, measure it. If not, climb the roof and measure the opening so you can cut the replacement piece to be a perfect fit.

Replace Underlayment and Shingles

Once you repair the hole in the roof plywood, you need to seal up the seams and recover the roof. Cover the seams between the old and new decking with bitumen tape. Lay felt paper onto the roof, overlapping the existing paper to get good coverage. Staple it to the roof decking or nail it with plastic-capped roofing nails.

Why Is My Roof Leaking In Winter

Winter leaks are counter-intuitive. Everything else is frozen, so how is there water in your roof? In many cases, winter leaks are caused by ice dams. Ice forms on your gutters or in your roof valley, damaging the shingles. The heat from the house makes the bottom of the ice melt, which then trickles into the house.

How Do You Repair A Water Harmed Roofing System

Repairing Water Damages from a Roofing System Leakage You can frequently take care of water damages from a roofing system leakage with simply a wet-dry vac as well as a couple of followers if you uncover it immediately.

Cost Of Roof Inspection

Having a roof inspection done helps to identify potential issues, provides solutions on what needs fixing, determines the condition and lifespan of your roof, and can help you keep your roof in good condition.

Adds Strength And Support To Your Roof

Roof sheathing helps distribute weight evenly across your roof. Since sheathing boards are affixed to your roofs trusses and joints its strongest supporting beams they help ensure that heavy loads of snow and precipitation dont cause bowing or sagging. They also help your roof to hold up asphalt shingles.

Just How Much Does It Set You Back To Deal With A Dripping Roofing System

Many property owner invest in between $300 as well as $1,100 for a roofing system repair, or an ordinary of $650 per repair phone call. Generally, a work is to repair leakages Seal the leakage, change tiles, secure the tiles.

Home Equity Line Of Credit

Also known as HELOC, a home equity line of credit requires a certain percentage of built up home equity to use. Home equity lines of credit are secured by your home, making them risky in the fact that if you dont make payments on time you could lose your house.

What Is Roof Decking

Roof decking is essentially the part of your roof that connects it to your house. It lays on top of the structural trusses and supports the weight of your roofs shingles. In a way, it is the backbone of your entire roof.

How to tell if wood is rotting on a roof?

There are black, white, yellow, brown or grey growths and discoloration. The wood feels spongy and weak to the touch. The wood easily crumbles or cracks. There is a damp, musty smell.

Why is Rotted Roof Decking a Problem?

These thin sheets of wood absorb moisture when exposed to it through excess condensation or a roof leak. When sheathing is exposed to moisture frequently, there is always a chance it will decay or develop wood rot. While a single exposure to moisture is unlikely to lead to rot, routine water exposure may.

When Should I Check My Roof for Wood Rot?

You should look for wood rot either when you don’t know the condition of the deck ( as in, you’re buying a new home) or when you suspect that moisture may have penetrated to the roof deck. You should ask a professional home inspector or roofer to check your decking for wood rot when:

Why is My Roof Decking Damaged?

Leaks and condensation are the two most common causes of a rotting wood deck. It makes sense to look for deck rot around notorious leak points, such as skylights, roof penetrations and anchor points for roof-mounted items. In order to fix the problem, you first need a professional roofer to resolve the underlying leak.

How to tell if wood shingles are rotting?

An experienced roofer may suspect wood rot simply by stepping on the shingles above the rot and feeling it give more than normal.

Why is my decking swollen?

Whether or not there is a fungus, or just normal decay of wood due to moisture, rotting roof decking can cause several problems for your roof and your home, including: Bowing or bulging: Moisture and wood rot may cause your decking to sink in or swell up. From the outside, this looks like you have a bulging or bowing spot on your roof.

What happens if you get your roof deck wet?

If your roof decking gets wet, it can develop wood rot and impact the performance of your whole roof. This problem can go unnoticed, as damaged roof decking hides beneath shingles and above the attic insulation.

How to prevent falls from roof?

Use the appropriate safety gear, harness and tied-off rope to prevent falls from the roof.

What happens if a roof is leaking?

Leaky roofs lead to wet insulation, mold and mildew – and costly repairs. To get a handle on this problem and stop it from spreading, replace rotted roof decking as soon as possible.

Why do roof decks leak?

Roof decking sits beneath the shingles used to protect the house from the weather. Moisture that passes this covering and seeps into the underlayment for the roof can cause leaks into the home and create greater problems. Leaky roofs lead to wet insulation, mold and mildew – and costly repairs. To get a handle on this problem ...

Why do you wear a hat on the roof?

Wear a hat while on the roof to protect your head from sunburn or heat exposure.

Safety First

Take safety precautions at every step in the process. You'll be working on a ladder and perhaps even on the roof itself. Try to work with an assistant to hold the ladder, hand you tools, help you lift the new board into place, and warn you of any hazards. Don't shortcut safety when performing roof work.

Remove Rotted Board

Pull the shingles and underlying felt off the entire board, not just the area that's rotted. Using a nail puller and power screwdriver, remove the roofing nails and screws holding the decking board in place. When removing the screws, be careful not to strip the head of each screw. Doing so complicates and lengthens the removal process.

Measure and Cut

Measure the area where your new board will go. Subtract 1/16 inch to allow for a snug fit. Do not measure the rotted board. Obtain a new section of decking board from a home or lumber center. Some places cut the board for you for a nominal charge. If you do the cutting yourself, use a straightedge to mark the cuts, and double-check your markings.

Place New Board and Reroof

Place the new decking board on the roof. Use 1 1/2-inch galvanized decking screws in all four corners, on the sides in the middle, and along the bottom if you're working near the eaves. You also can use 1 1/2-inch galvanized roofing nails and a nail gun. Cover the new decking board with felt, securing it with felt tacks.

How much time does it take to install a new roof?

This type of fix-up tends to be relatively inexpensive, and usually only requires a single day’s work.

What to do if you don't have soffit?

If you don’t have enough intact soffit to serve as a template, measure the underside of the eaves from one side of the house to the other and mark the dimensions on the new board.

How long does it take for wood sealant to dry?

Brush the sealant onto both sides of your materials, then let them sit until they're dry to the touch. It should only take 1-2 hours for the sealant to dry into a functional finish. Once it’s set into the wood, the sealant will help repel moisture, mold, grime, and other messes, preventing rotting in the future. ...

What to do if you find a nest in your eaves?

Should you discover any large nests or insect hives while replacing your home’s eaves, call an exterminator or pest control specialist.

Can you fix rotted eaves?

Water damage and nesting animals can really take a toll on your home’s eaves, but the good news is that fixing rotted eaves is actually a pretty simple project that you can do yourself.

Do you need rafters before installing eaves?

Since the rafters are a critical part of the eaves’ support structure, it will be necessary to make sure they're in good condition before you begin installing the new components for your eaves. Press on the newly-installed beam to double check that it’s solid and secure before moving on.

Can you damage a piece of wood by wrenching on it with a pry bar?

Be careful not to damage the piece by w renching on it with the pry bar.

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