- Q.We are replacing a
hip roof that has three layers of asphalt shingles over the
original skip sheathing and shake roof. This load has caused
the 14-foot common rafters to permanently sag about 2 1/2
inches at midspan. Now that we have stripped off the old
roofing, can we simply replace the sheathing (shimmed straight
in the center) and install a single layer of roofing? Or should
the rafters be replaced?
A.The sag is permanent due to
creep of the wood fibers when overstressed. You don’t
indicate the rafter spacing and size, but in a structure old
enough to have four roofs, I would expect them to be full-size
2x4s on 16-inch centers. No current span tables would consider
them adequate, although they obviously have not collapsed under
a load much heavier than anticipated. Depending upon what your
local code official will permit, you could sister the rafters
with new 2x6s that are slightly shorter than the original
rafters (10 or 12 feet, depending upon the location of the
bow). The original rafters have plenty of strength near the
ends, and the sistered 2x6s, once nailed tightly to the
original rafters, should provide adequate strength. The new
members will also provide a good, straight nailing base for the
new sheathing, and eliminate the need to shim up the old
rafters. I also recommend refastening the rafters to the top
plate with metal framing connectors, since the original
toenails have probably slipped somewhat.