How To Repair A Cracked Roof Joist

Wipe the crack area with a damp cloth to remove all dust.

How to repair a cracked roof joist.

Place a level on the bottom edge of the joist to determine the amount of sagging that has occurred. Step 2 measure roof joist. Step 1 locate broken roof joist. Use a c clamp on each end to hold the patching in position.

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. If you have a textured ceiling. Get to the roof and find out the extent of the damages on the joists. 6 drill pilot holes for the bolts on each side of the crack.

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. The roof joist is made of wood. This process is referred to as sistering. Use tape to cover the crack.

If there are minor cracks these can be repaired by reinforcing the joist by nailing wooden planks to it. Remove any blocking or bridging above the sill or beam where the sister joist will go. Place one piece of patching material on each side of the joist. You can use plasterer s hessian tape fibreglass mesh tape or adhesive paper tape.

Cut a sister joist the same length as the damaged joist. Use your tape measure to record the distance of both rafter legs. Identify and mark the joists needing repairs. Repair and reinforce a ceiling joist by affixing a new plank to the side of the joist.

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. 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. Apply a layer of drywall jointing compound or grout to the crack. Identify the cracked or sagging joist before it causes additional problems.

Repeat the process for the joist beneath your old roof rafter.