How to Fix Rotten Wood on a Roof
- 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.
- Remove the Shingles. Pry up shingles around the damaged area. ...
- Remove the Rotten Wood. ...
- Replace the Roof Decking. ...
- Replace Underlayment and Shingles. ...
How do you repair rotted plywood?
Once dried, the rot should be hard and now have strength. My video did not show this but, for more severe rotted plywood situations, you can apply Minwax High Performance Wood Filler (or similar product) to the desired area after the wood hardener has dried. This will fill sections of the wood that have holes or have decayed away.
How do you fix rotted wood on a roof?
Lift the shingle above it and nail it first through its own center, then through the center of the shingle above. Continue laying shingles in the established pattern until the entire repair is covered. When you fix rotted wood on your roof, you help to keep it watertight to prevent leaks and additional damage.
When should plywood be replaced on a roof?
When to Replace Plywood on Your Roof You only need to replace your roof’s plywood if you start to see it rotting or if there has been any excessive water damage to the roof decking. Of course, if you think you might have caught on a little late try and fix it as soon as possible.
How to repair rotted wood with epoxy?
For repairing rotted wood that must remain vertical, you may need to brush the epoxy to the treated areas or use a nipple bottle to apply to the treated areas. If you are able to create a containment area then do so.
How do you repair a plywood 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.
Can you put new plywood over old on a roof?
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.
How do you repair rotten wood on a roof?
0:231:35Roof Repair and Wood Rot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRot. 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.
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.
Can you put plywood over rotted wood?
If the old plywood was clean and not infested with dry rot or mold it should be OK to cover it with the new plywood. One thing to consider is that the new plywood probably wants to be the same thickness as what would be used if it was used by itself on the rafters (i.e. if the old plywood had been removed).
Can you lay plywood over old plywood?
By working this way, there will be no need to introduce any form of liner between the old planks and the ply. Working with full sheets of ply will make your job easier and will improve the end result. Like all wooden flooring products, it's a good idea to acclimatise your plywood before laying it.
How do you fix rotten wood without replacing it?
0:033:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.MoreAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.
How often does roof plywood need to be replaced?
How long does roof plywood last? Roof plywood should last twenty years, so long as it is not exposed to water.
What type of plywood is used for roofs?
CDX Plywood Plywood gets it strength from multiple layers of wood bonded together. The wood grain alternates from layer to layer, adding significantly to the strength of the plywood sheet. A special grade of plywood called “CDX” is a popular choice for roof sheathing.
How do you fix water damaged plywood?
3:476:04How to replace water damaged plywood subfloor; DIY NC Floor GuysYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you can break the plywood down into smaller sections that makes it easier to tear. Out. ThenMoreSo that you can break the plywood down into smaller sections that makes it easier to tear. Out. Then you just use whatever tools you have on hand and some elbow grease and tear.
Can I use wood filler on rotted wood?
Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.
How do you fix exterior plywood?
1:348:23How to Replace Plywood Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart. Alright while you were away I went ahead and cut the top of the board off of well and then IMoreStart. Alright while you were away I went ahead and cut the top of the board off of well and then I also applied a lot of construction adhesive.
When should you replace plywood on a roof?
For instance, plywood lasts anywhere from 15-40 years, while asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years depending on the quality of the shingle. Knowing what type of sheathing you have on your roof is step one in understanding when to replace roof sheathing and what it do.
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 Redeck a roof?
1:2215:00How to Re deck a Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut we're looking at approximately 1/8 inch gap between each sheet is needed to avoid issues withMoreBut we're looking at approximately 1/8 inch gap between each sheet is needed to avoid issues with expansion and contraction plywood any wood will absorb moisture. Out of the atmosphere.
What is roof planking?
Plank decking was the main type of decking used before the invention of plywood. This type of decking is made up of elongated and rectangular wooden boards that come in 2 different sizes, 1x6 or 1x8. While it's not as commonly used, you'll still find this kind of decking used on roofs today.
How to repair rotted wood?
For repairing rotted wood that can be laid horizontal, you can create a containment area around the wood and the area you need to repair. The containment can be created by using other wood pieces to control and contain the epoxy into the desired treated areas. Once you mix the 2 part epoxy together, you can start to pour the epoxy within your containment area. You then allow the epoxy to cure. Once cured, you can remove the containment pieces. The rotted plywood should now be fully hardened and prevent future rot from happening. You can see in the image above how you can use epoxy to fill voids in wood. I know this doesn’t show rotted wood repair but you can do the same thing to rotted wood.
Can you use epoxy on vertical wood?
More than likely, you will not be able to achieve a nice smooth, fully filled, surface by using epoxy alone on a vertical wood piece. Instead, once the wood hardens enough to alleviate the rot, you can then use a wood filler to complete filling any remaining voids in the wood.
Can you use Minwax to fill rotted wood?
My video did not show this but, for more severe rotted plywood situations, you can apply Minwax High Performance Wood Filler (or similar product) to the desired area after the wood hardener has dried. This will fill sections of the wood that have holes or have decayed away. Once the wood filler dries, you can sand it and even paint it however you desire.
Can you use epoxy to fill voids in plywood?
Once cured, you can remove the containment pieces. The rotted plywood should now be fully hardened and prevent future rot from happening. You can see in the image above how you can use epoxy to fill voids in wood.
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.
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 tell if a roof is rotting?
How to Tell If Your Plywood is Rotting. One of the easiest ways to tell is, if your roof is beginning to leak, there is probably some moisture in the roof decking. This leaking can lead to other signs of rotting roof decking too like ceiling spots, cracked paint, or wallpaper starting to peel. If you see that your ceiling or roofline is sagging ...
What happens if you get wet on a roof deck?
However, if this roof decking starts getting wet, it can start to rot and impact the entirety of your roof.
What is a deck on a roof?
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 roof’s shingles. In a way, it is the backbone of your entire roof.
Can you replace plywood on a roof in Lake Mary?
According to Professional Choice Roofing in Lake Mary, Florida ( https://www.prochoiceorlandoroofing.com/roofer-near/lake-mary/ ), you should replace the plywood on your roof as soon as possible if you see any kind of rot taking place. It can create even worse problems for your roof if you wait to replace it and even create mold and mildew after a while.
Can you do or die on a waterlogged roof?
This is not a do or die mission you have to get done immediately however, there have been plenty of people who have toughed out a waterlogged roof decking and lived on without the roof caving in over them.
Can plywood hold up shingles?
However, you don’t want to be in the room when a piece of your ceiling comes crashing down when the plywood can no longer hold up the shingles in that location . From there, it is only a matter of time before other parts of the roof come down with it.
Can you repair rot in plywood?
If you found any rot in the plywood, you can’t just repair it, it has to be replaced. However, this will ideally never have to happen and if you do end up replacing it, hopefully it stays stable for the rest of the time you’re in your home.
