Publication Number 490-322, August 1996
Sheathing is nailed to rafters before building felt and shingles are applied. If you have broken rafters and ridge beams (boards, poles), they must be repaired first. The strength of the roof depends upon a continuous rafter or truss extending from one wall or support to another. The entire truss or rafter must be replaced if it is broken.
A good repair may place the new rafter alongside the broken one, nailing them together; while on a truss, a replacement board would again be "scabbed" on, overlapping the two points of fastening at the walls or supports.
The size of the area damaged dictates other proper procedures. One or two broken rafters could be repaired with a smaller scab and truss configuration.
To further strengthen weakened areas, transfer loads of the roof to undamaged areas by using a 2x6 nailed beneath rafters extending across the weakened area to the next two or three undamaged rafters on each side.
In all cases, the size of wood used for repairs should be the same size (or larger, but not smaller) than the wood broken. A 2x6 should be used to repair or replace a 2x6 or a 2x4, but not a 2x8, and so on.
If your roof is not tied to your walls and did not shift or blow off, tie it down now! Place a rafter tie at least each 4 feet and face nail it to the rafter with three 8d nails minimum.
The next leaflet, "After a Disaster--Roof Repairs 2: Basic Materials," will discuss materials for use in roof repairs or rebuilding.
Based on information developed by Clemson Cooperative Extension following Hurricane Hugo. Revised for Virginia audiences by Virginia Cooperative Extension.
For more information, contact your local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.
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