Here in Wilmington NC I see a lot of this. Fixing a Truss or Rafter Do this by nailing 2X4 blocking from the fascia to the wall-ribbon at 4' oc. In some cases, you may sister rafters to repair a sagging roof. The roof is sagging 1-2 inches in two places- both mid-span of the associated rafters. 2x4 10'-0" 2x6 14'-9" 2x8 18'-9" 2x10 22'-2" 2x4 8'-2" 2x6 13'-6" 2x8 17'-2" 2x10 20'-3" 2x12 24'-1" 2x6 11'-8" 2x8 14'-10" 2x10 17'-6" 2x12 20'-11" 2x6 9'-6" 2x6 12'-0" The type of load in question will also determine how much weight a 2x6 can hold on edge. Sagging in a ceiling may be caused by undersized drywall. When I stick my head up by the rafters and look down the line, I can clearly see the rafters with the more warped pieces of OSB are sagging the most. I checked it out, the rafters are 2x4 spanning about 12'-0" from ridge to eave. If dead loads must be hung from trusses, then extra support can be provided by installing support beams perpendicular to the trusses, reducing the span of the bottom chords and increasing their ability to carry the weight load. I had 2X4 common rafters a little over 10 feet from the wall to the peak. Leading me to the idea of removing the furring and replacing the 2 joists. This was done long ago and this is the other side, and not sagging. Ceiling drywall that sags between joists or trusses is sometimes called âpillowedâ drywall. I have noticed my garage rafters are sagging approx 1.5 inches. The original 2x4 rafters at 32" o.c. The rafter currently are 2x6. I have a split level ranch with sagging 2x6 rafters on a 4.5/12 pitch. At least one three inch drywall screw was driven directly to hold each rafter tip to the ridge 2x4, that is, two screws per rafter pair to begin with. I'm not clear how the studs would be attached to the plates. For some rafters, a second screw was driven at an angle, simulating toenailing. It's got 2x8 rafters, 4/12 pitch, and just a 2x8 ridge board with no rafter ties and just a few collar ties. While examing my garage rafters wanting to add some storage space approx.8x16above the roll up garage doors. Seems a 2x4 SPF #2 should really only span about 6 ft horizontally, using the American Wood Council online calculator. I never realized my rafters are 27 and one-half inches on center. My ceiling joists are 2x4, 16" o.c. The rest are about 1/2 or so lower than the middle center of the house. This makes sense and sounds straightforward. Built on 4/12 pitch roof with 1/2 ply decking and shingles. Inserting the 14' joists between the existing rafters isn't possible. In temperate parts of the country like the Pacific NW where I live, 2x4 rafters were the norm back in the 1920's. Here is a breakdown on the roof construction: It consists of 2x4 rafters that are about 16-20' long. Fit them as close as is convenient. Re: How to Fix bad Framing, Sagging Roof My second post. Materials: One 12' 2x10 for ridge, 20 8' 2x4's, two 12' 1x4's for eaves, Roof Sheathing an option as I didn't want a sagging ceiling. The existing roof was built in the 70's and the rafters are unsupported 2X4 spanning 12' from eave to peak. from the outside you can see the sheathing bowing between the rafters, and some noticeable bow in the rafters. When sistering the challenge is the limited clearance from above. A common arrangement is a rafter-and-purlin system, which combines purlins and rafters. So I looked a small house this am for a roof that is sagging. Before fixing the problem, however, it is important to identify the exact cause of the problem. 20lbs live 20 lbs dead . The recommendation is typically for installation of a purlin system in which a horizontal strongback is supported by braces bearing on the tops of interior walls. Problem with the roof is that one side of it is sagging very badly due to crappy craftsmanship. Click to see full answer Consequently, how much weight can a 2x6 Rafter hold? are way undersized. Set a hydraulic jack and post under the beam, and jack up the joists about 1/8 in. Re: Will 2x4 rafters 24 inch on centre hold up my 8 x 12 shed? I can fit a floor jack in there, and raise up the sagging area. My house has a roof made of 2x4 rafters 24" on center. The sagging existing 2x4's will try and make the new ceiling members sag. It is unnecessary at this point (for the same reason you can't move the mis-spaced truss to where it should be). I didn't really like either of those ideas so here is what I did. Also inspect the metal or plywood gusset plates (used where your wood meets on a truss) Look for damage that includes cracks, rot, breaks, and any other impairment. That's the role of the compression post. a day until they're level. Now add another 2X2 or 2X4 flat to the blocking, mid span and parallel to the fascia. Regardless of the purpose, always consult the local building department or a structural engineer to determine the ⦠Look at ⦠What can I do to make the roof flat? drywall with 5/8-in. They are only supported on the exterior walls and the ridgeplate. I checked a couple of the rafters with a string line, and they are deflected about 1 ⦠I have plenty of 2x4s! Why on earth do I have 2x4 rafters ⦠No other collars or bracing. Compromised trusses can lead to severe structural problems such as bowing exterior walls, sagging ridge lines and roof collapse. span 12' 3" in plan from plate to ridge and support the original 1x skip sheathing, 1/2" plywood, tar paper, and one layer of architectural asphalt shingles. The roofing is in progress right now. Install these "flat", 1 1/2" above the bottom of the fascia and wall ribbon. Attach 1/2-inch wood cleats to both sides of the existing rafter. The rafters are set about 20" apart running the 10' distance. long 2x6. You might level off the bottom ends of the 2x6 boards to create a taper into the 2x4, like so (but obviously with less pitch): Tack a beam under the sagging joists. But after 87 years the rafters are sagging, so definitely need add'l support of some kind. Framing any roof but particularly a gable roof, low slope roof, and cathedral ceilign roofs requires collar ties, rafter ties, and possibly a structural ridge beam to support the ⦠This is an old place and there are absolutely no engineered trusses. A lot of the older homes I look at have nothing but 2x4 rafters. It has held up- with only minor sagging we live in south central Pennsylvania so there have been winters when the snow has been quite heavy. The roofing material is is made from metal squares. It currently has 2x4 roof rafters spaced 24" with collar ties about a foot below the gable peak, so 5-6 ft long ties. I was wondering if anyone` had any advise on bracing the areas that are sagging. I put 2 2x4 joist about. The result will provide another nailing support mid ⦠JACUSTOMER-ill0n4po- : Ok, that sounds easier and cleaner. 12" O.C. Yes, the only 2 sagging. It is terible looking. Your existing 2x4 rafters at 24" o.c. The âraftersâ are 2×4âs 16â on center covered with tongue and groove 3/4â boards and rolled roofing (the roofing has been replaced several times. How to Repair a House Rafter. or add furring strips and a second layer of 5/8-in. Maximum clear span for rafters w/ gypsum ceiling- standard roof covering. My personal house has 2x4 rafters, 32" O.C. In this area the roof line dips down 4-6", and the rafters are sagging, therfore the celing drywall is sagging. The short spans of 2x4 beyond the 2x6 boards have the strength needed to carry the load. The idea is to set it on the floor joist (you can use a 2x4 to span joists if needed - just be sure to account for this when measuring the length of the post) and use your hammer to force it under the rafter. Below one of the sags is a splintered rafter, the other is above a rafter splice where a long ago removed chimney stack rose through the roof. Rafters (24" oc) and ceiling joists (12" oc) are 2x4's. drywall. We would like to drywall the underside of the "cathedral" type ceiling. Use cleats the same length as the width of the new rafter when added to the width of the old rafter. Nadine has a problem with a sagging roof in Atlanta, Michigan. Top/bottom plates - 2x4, 2x6? The roof support system is a ridgepole and either rafters, which run perpendicular from the top of the walls to the ridge, or purlins, which run parallel to the ridge. My shed is 8x14 built entirely with rough 2x4s. The structural engineer has called for new ceiling joists, sistering the existing lean-to rafters (2x4), and adding some support to the rafters (essentially making a tiny ⦠The house was built in 1983 and the walls show no signs of spreading, there are 2x6 ceiling joist working as rafter ties. It's definitely the rafters, not the sheathing. You either have to replace 1/2-in. I took a 9 1/2 foot steel rod and threaded one end and welded a tab to the other end. They are 20ft. We would need to remove the furring and insert the joist from below. 1/3 of the way from each in to keep it from spreading from snow load. Sagging Rafters: Sagging Rafters are relatively common in homes built prior to the 1960s when rafters were typically 2x4 or 2x6, and over-spanned either in spacing or in length. The method used in the photo below appears to be a 2x4 with a 1x4 connecting several floor joists. First thing is to get the rafter back into its original position as much as possible. Roof Sagging in Between Trusses. Enter the attic and inspect the rafters and the decking. The ceiling works with the new 2x8's alone. When you notice a roof sagging in between trusses, it is usually the result of a damaged or broken roof rafter. ... which has some roof sagging (3-4"). shingles. I am having the 1/2 inch osb sheething replaced and putting on 30 year acht. On the other end, a 2x6 can support a V8 engine of between 600 â 700 lbs.. Does it matter that the joists do not line up with rafters in every case? Also is ripping a 2x and filling in the void w/ construction glue and screwing the rips down recommended? Furthermore, how ⦠Rafters are on 2 ft spacing. Using a hole saw I drilled a hole through the sheet rock under each rafter The ceiling joists are 2x4s spanning the 20', and there are rafters that have an occasional cross-brace. Span is 24'. It's not critical that the new rafters bear either on the wall or the ridge beam. I have the intention of finishing this space, but first I need to fix the sagging roof. The rafters are high in the center of the roof. The wood was old growth fir, and I've been told it's better quality and stronger than what's available nowadays. Do you do sister rafter w/ 2x4 or 2x6. Grab a flashlight and head up to your attic to inspect your roof rafters and decking â specifically those where your roof is sagging. Here's her full report: "My roof is sagging. We are fixing some serious rot and sagging rafters as part of opening up our previously-finished front porch. The 2x4 perpindicular to the rafters is there to space the rafters or trusses apart prior to the roof being sheeting being installed. The house is 52 yrs. A cracked or damaged rafter due to a defect in the wood or an impact from an outside force may be able to be repaired, preventing a ⦠The homeowner requested that I run shimmed up furring strips across the top of the roof to disguise the problem with the sagging roof plane. For example, a 2x4 lumber may hold a 4-cylinder engine comfortably but may not hold a bigger one. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists, unless the sag is under a weight-bearing wall. old and has just had a new roof and sheeting installed.I wanted to jack up the low center spot of the 5 beams and bolt a sister ⦠This house is under contract for sale, and the inspector wrote it up. Roof Framing Suggestions, Canadian guidelines: This article excerpts from & provides copies of roof framing suggestions from Canadian building codes and the CMHC Wood Frame House Construction Guide. When installing 2-by-4 lumber to existing 2-by-6 rafters, add the 2-by-4 width, which is 3 1/2 inches to the 2-by-6 width, which is 5 1/2 inches, for a total of 9 inches. Skinned with 7/16 OSB and vinyl siding.