Repairs to wooden conservatory ridge.

[culpitt]

I've discovered wet rot in the western red cedar ridge on the roof of our conservatory.

Wet Rot

• culpitt
• 25 Sep 2014
• 1

Wet Rot

My woodworking skills aren't bad I can cut a joint square etc, but I'm no cabinet maker. The cross section of the ridge is quite complex.

What approach should I take to repairing the damage before winter sets in?

 

[foxhole]

Does the ridge have no weather protection? lead? etc.

 

[culpitt]

Does the ridge have no weather protection? lead? etc.

Not a thing....just paint

 

[Dave54]

As far as the woodwork part goes, it's only an angled ridge by the look of it. Take the angle off the top with a slide bevel, and then bisect it for the mitre angle.
What I'd do as far as the rot is concerned is to cut out the bad timber (you have to get it all or it will continue to rot) and let in new. Difficult to see really, but I'd cut a piece to cover the rotted area and a bit more, and use it to mark the required hole, cut the hole a bit undersize and plane the new to fit. Use waterproof glue. Fill as far as necessary with suitable filler, and paint. Really it's better to replace a complete piece of timber if practicable. Looks to me as if those decorative finials on the ridge have caused the problem with the screws leaking into the wood. I'd lose them and fill the holes myself.
That's what I'd do anyway. I'm a cabinetmaker, or was at least. I've only got DIY experience of doing that sort of thing. Someone else may know better.

 

[culpitt]

Much obliged for the advice

 

[culpitt]

Does it need to be western red cedar? It's very difficult to come by in this part of the world.. unless I need £750 worth that is!

 

[Dave54]

Be better if it was, but not essential as it's painted I'd say. Try to get some decent softwood from a proper timber merchant though, rather than the "balsa" stuff that the sheds sell.

 

[foxhole]

Needs weather protection, mine has lead strip across.