[motolz]

I have a home built in 1928 with 2x4 rafters over my front porch. 2 of the rafters are sagging at a knot in the rafter. The rafters are appox 14 ft. I was going to sister 1 2x4 x8' to a side of each impacted rafter using 4 3/8 zinc bolts and washers (2 above and 2 below) and then maybe a kneel wall at the sag for support. Now, while this 'sounds' good, does it make sense from a physics / engineering standpoint?

1) will sistering a 2/4 to the side and not the full length provide the required stability
2) are 3/8" bolts to wide for a 2x4 or even a good choice?

I am in Atlanta with little to no snow so load is minimal. The footprint of the roof is approx 32'x 16'. Photos are attached.

Thanks for the valuable feedback

 

[Bondo]

1) will sistering a 2/4 to the side and not the full length provide the required stability
2) are 3/8" bolts to wide for a 2x4 or even a good choice?

Ayuh,.... I would probably sister 2, 2x4s, 1 on each side of the failin' wood, as long as possible to get into place,.....

After I jacked things into place(straight), I'd probably run in 3/8" lag bolts, clean through all 3 pieces of wood, to end up with a bolt every 12"/ 18" of the length,...

 

[de-nagorg]

After jacking to realign the roof decking, I too would use as long as I can 2X4 to sister both sides, and lag from alternate sides to hold it all together.

Alternate sides 1 from left, 2 from right, 3 from left, etc until the final, every foot.


ED

 

[kwikfishron]

I'd use a 2x6 on one side myself.

 

[Fix'n it]

i did a sister just like that. jacked it up, nailed in a good old board. when i removed the jack, it went right back where it was before. but, i do know that at least it is stronger.

 

[de-nagorg]

i did a sister just like that. jacked it up, nailed in a good old board. when i removed the jack, it went right back where it was before. but, i do know that at least it is stronger.

Not to be mean, but you used A board and NAILS.

You needed at least 2 boards, and BOLTS WITH METAL BRACING.

Your nails probably pulled out a bit, and let it return to where it wanted to be, not stay where you wanted it.


ED

 

[SevenHillsCC]

Looks like a long span for a single 2x4. I'd try to upsize to a 2x6 or at least use two 2x4s, just use a continuous piece and find a way to attach the new lumber to the bearing points on top and bottom if you can. If the existing lumber is solid & not rotten, I'd put one on each side and nail both into the existing rafter, otherwise I'd nail two together like a small beam and sister it into the existing rafters. I would think 16d nails would be fine to fasten it, just use two nails every 12-16". You'll need to get the rafters straight before attempting to put the new lumber in. Use a jack to raise the parts that have sagged, maybe nail in a temporary brace mid-span to keep it straight, then insert new lumber.

 

[motolz]

All, thanks for the great advice! Seems I am on the right track here, just need to lengthen my sister boards and do both sides. I plan to stick with the 3/8" carriage bolts with large washers. May still do a kneel wall for additional support across all. Again, your advice was much appreciated!

 

[Fix'n it]

Not to be mean, but you used A board and NAILS.

You needed at least 2 boards, and BOLTS WITH METAL BRACING.

Your nails probably pulled out a bit, and let it return to where it wanted to be, not stay where you wanted it.


ED

not mean at all. actually i was waiting for just such a reply.

i have 2x4 rafters also = WTH were they thinking ! :vs_mad:
the board i used was a very solid old growth piece removed from elsewhere in this F'ed up old house.
i jacked up till straight, no small feat.
i used my framing nailer with ring shank nails.
board about 12' long.
i put in a lot of nails, 20 perhaps.

i then lowered the jack. the whhole thing went back to sagging like it was, taking the sistered board with it, like it was nothing.
the 2 boards DID NOT pull away, separate, whatever, at all = like is was made that way new.

 

[de-nagorg]

not mean at all. actually i was waiting for just such a reply.

i have 2x4 rafters also = WTH were they thinking ! :vs_mad:
the board i used was a very solid old growth piece removed from elsewhere in this F'ed up old house.
i jacked up till straight, no small feat.
i used my framing nailer with ring shank nails.
board about 12' long.
i put in a lot of nails, 20 perhaps.

i then lowered the jack. the whhole thing went back to sagging like it was, taking the sistered board with it, like it was nothing.
the 2 boards DID NOT pull away, separate, whatever, at all = like is was made that way new.

At that point I would have jacked it back up to straight, and added a 2" X 10' piece of angle iron. lag bolted into the assembly with bolts every foot .

Then let it down again, saying HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES WISEGUY"

I doubt that it would have re-bowed.


ED

 

[Fix'n it]

yeahh ED. but i wasn't trying to fix the bow. there was a knot, just wanted to keep it from getting worse . but i didn't think it would bow back as much as it did. i really learned something that day.

 

[JustinK]

A new 2x4 will sag also. That old 2x4 is stronger than new lumber and now it is a curved board and it wants to stay that way. A new 2x4 will be fighting 2x4 and roof load. looks like you have room for 2x6 i would use that. 2x8 would be even better. Use construction adhesive and structural screws like ledgerlok every 16 inches. Carriage bolts will work too but alot more work and cost. Good luck