How to Repair a Split Roof's Rafter

A number of different unfortunate events can lead to a split rafter. A tree may fall on your roof, an unusually heavy snowfall may accumulate on top of your house or an inherent fault in the wood may suddenly give way in extreme weather. Whatever the cause, fix it as soon as possible to prevent the risk of a sag in your roof.

Construction adhesive
Two pieces of 2-by-6 board, 36 inches long
2 bar clamps
4-inch long screws
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  Spread construction adhesive along the faces of the 2 by 6s. A 2 by 6 is a piece of dimensioned wood lumber that you can buy at most home improvement stores. The actual dimensions are 1 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.
- 2
  Place the boards on each side of the rafter so it is sandwiched between them with the construction adhesive facing the rafter on both sides. Center the boards on the split in the rafter so they extend equal distances up and down the rafter away from the split.
- 3
  Hold the boards in place by clamping them at each end with a bar clamp. Place the jaws on the outside faces of the boards and tighten the screw on each bar clamp to press them together around the rafter.
- 4
  Drive 4-inch long screws into the face of one board so they pass through it, the rafter and into the board on the other side.
- 5
  Drive more screws through the other board so they pass through the rafter and into the opposite board. You now have a rafter that is sandwiched between two sturdy boards and secured to them with construction adhesive and screws. The more screws you put through the boards and the rafter, the stronger the repair will be.

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