Split in Roof Rafter?

paperclap

Hi all,

I’ve got a split in one of my roof rafters.

It’s a 1955 bungalow. I’m almost inclined to think it was there during initial construction, and just gone unnoticed.

It’s been there at least since we moved in, 4 years ago… just went up in the loft and saw it again, and thought “Hey, maybe I should do something about that at last!”.

Can’t see that it’s sagged at all.

As you can see, the split goes all the way through. The crack then goes up the rafter about two thirds of the rafter thickness.

What’s the best course of action?

Sister it with a length of C24 timber? How long would the timber need to go either side (up and down the length of the rafter) of the crack? Simple woodscrews okay? Or a bolt through with washers?

Cheers guys and gals!

ThisIsWeird

If you place a straight edge along the rafter's underside, is there a gap - a bow?
If nice and straight, then I think it'd be safe to assume it's a 'shake', most likely present from the off, and of no structural concern.
But, tobesuretobesure, if you wish to sister, I'm sure folk will advise the correct procedure.

Grenage

Likely fine, but I would probably sister it.  The cost is negligible and you'll never need to worry about it.

travis-powers

I’d use the longest piece you can handle, same depth and bolt at staggered  (one high one low) 400mm centres.
 I’d keep an eye on it for any deflection, that’s quite a nasty split!

ThisIsWeird

Wow - I'd been looking at it on my phone! Now I see it's a true 'split', and the edge is deflected out.

Is it worth trying to jack/prop that crack a bit closed as you sister, with oodles of PVA inside it?! Or even some coach screws and washers through the outer edge and into the main beam to try and pull it closed a bit, again with oodles of PVA?

 

paperclap

I did think about jacking it up and effectively reattaching the split... but I'm concerned about disturbing it (and surrounding things), to be honest. I don't really want it effecting the slates on the outside, and potentially popping them out.

TELLIT01

Metal plate on the side with plenty of screws through the timber to ensure it can't move any further?