Does this rafter looks like it needs systering?


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Old 02-25-16, 04:43 PM
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Does this rafter looks like it needs systering?

I know that I know nothing

I also know that I am the one to look for my best interest.
So, just looking around while my ceiling is ripped off, found this rafter that does not look too healthy. I don't think I can put anything on the skylight side, but at least on the other side I could.
Those are old 2x8 so finding exact match, i probably need to rip a 2x10.
Any suggestions?




Thank you in advance.
 
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Old 02-25-16, 05:57 PM
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I don't think it needs addressed, knots will be found and your rafters are probably 16" on center.

Attaching a board to the side with screws wouldn't hurt anything.
 
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Old 02-25-16, 06:13 PM
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Confused by your mention of skylight. Are you talking about floor/ceiling joists, roof rafters or both? If they are floor joists, is it a full second floor?
 
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Old 02-25-16, 07:50 PM
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Thank you both,

If you look at the middle picture, there is sky showing through, that's the skylight side, no second floor there, just the roof above. Well, right now just the membrane, no roof yet. That's why I still keep this area open, other than running some wiring, I want to make sure all the roof pounding will not cause any damage to the drywall mud below.
 
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Old 02-26-16, 12:21 AM
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I think it is definitely weak but whether or not it is in danger of failing I do not know. I would probably put some kind of strengthening member on it to span the knots. Something like 3/4 inch plywood extending about a foot or two on either side of the knots. I would use both glue and screws.
 
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Old 02-26-16, 06:48 AM
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Thank you Frud,

That would make sense and be easier that ripping a long piece of 2 by whatever.
 
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Old 02-26-16, 06:53 AM
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Rafter

At the second photo, the knot is on the bottom edge; should have been on the top edge for more strength. I would sister a 2x8 while you have the opportunity.
 
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Old 02-26-16, 05:28 PM
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My problem is that it's both top and bottom, pretty much opposing each other.
You can probably see it on the third picture. Same knots, only different view.
 
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Old 02-26-16, 05:38 PM
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Think about how old the house is. If it's been just fine all these years, and it isn't bent or cracking, there is probably nothing wrong with it now. If you want to sister it, go ahead but IMO I'd take an old growth board with knots over today's soft SPF anyday. Your rafters on either side are taking 2/3 of the weight either way so it's not a big deal.
 
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Old 02-27-16, 10:38 AM
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Thank you,

I absolutely agree with above statements. If it's wouldn't me for my retentiveness, I wouldn't even blink an eye on this
I'll just do it to make myself feel better, who know how many more rafters are like this one around the house
 
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Old 02-27-16, 11:06 AM
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Nothing wrong with paying attention.

I'm in SoCal though, house built in '56 and as X said, I'll take these boards over anything.

Solid old growth, and a lot of it. I wonder sometimes what my roof boards alone would cost, 1 x 8's everywhere.
 
 

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