How To Repair A Cracked Roof Joist
Step 2 measure roof joist.
How to repair a cracked roof joist. If the problem worsens it can cause the ceiling or upper floor to sag crack the drywall covering on the ceiling and compromise the structural integrity of your home. Use a c clamp on each end to hold the patching in position. How to repair a cracked or sagging joist. Once you locate the broken joist mark it with a light colored marker so you can find it easily again when you get the materials you need.
The roof joist is made of wood. In order to get at the broken roof joist you will need to either go into the attic or remove the ceiling tiles on a floor above. Place a level on the bottom edge of the joist to determine the amount of sagging that has occurred. To undo the damage done to the ceiling scrape off the loose tape and re tape the joint either with a drywall repair kit or paper tape and joint compound.
If you have a textured ceiling. Measure the dimensions of the old rafters beneath your roofing surface. Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter. 6 drill pilot holes for the bolts on each side of the crack.
Get to the roof and find out the extent of the damages on the joists. If there are minor cracks these can be repaired by reinforcing the joist by nailing wooden planks to it. Identify and mark the joists needing repairs. Step 1 locate broken roof joist.
You can use plasterer s hessian tape fibreglass mesh tape or adhesive paper tape. Use a circular saw to cut two sets of new rafters from the same size wood by the same dimensions. This process is referred to as sistering. Remove any blocking or bridging above the sill or beam where the sister joist will go.
Use tape to cover the crack. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Wipe the crack area with a damp cloth to remove all dust. Repair and reinforce a ceiling joist by affixing a new plank to the side of the joist.
Identify the cracked or sagging joist before it causes additional problems.