When roofs start to sag, homeowners should arrange for an inspection by roof services right away. There are a number of reasons why a roof might start to sag, some of them more serious than others. Regardless of why your structure may be sagging, you should act quickly to have the problem diagnosed so any necessary roof repair can be done.
Do You Have A Sagging Roof?
Roofs can sag in two different ways: a change in the surface or a change along the roof's length. Most commonly, homeowners may begin to notice what looks like a dip or sway developing in the flat surface of their roof. You might also notice sagging along the length of the roof at the ridge. Each of these problems may have different causes; however, both require attention from experienced roof services.
Depending on the cause and severity, your contractor may suggest a number of different roof repair techniques to prevent the problem from worsening or eventually causing the structure to collapse.
Sagging Due to Framing Problems
There are a number of framing issues that can lead to both roof rafter and ridge beam sagging. One of the most common causes of this is when either rafters or ceiling joists constructed from multiple pieces of wood begin to spread apart. These pieced or lapped rafters and joists are held together with small nails that can loosen or work their way out over a period of time. This allows the lapped ends to part, causing the rafters to lose structural stability and sink inward under the weight of the roofing material.
Poorly positioned rafter collars, designed to prevent the rafters from bowing and spreading, can also cause sagging. This is also true of improperly installed rafter struts. In addition, all this instability and movement in the rafters and joists can cause the ridge board to drop down, creating a sag along the ridge.
Sagging Due to Weight Issues
Another cause of sagging is too much weight being supported by the framing. Even properly constructed framing components can bow under the pressure of too much weight. Whether the weight comes from snow that has piled up or roofing materials that are too heavy, roof sagging and even breaking of the framework can result if prompt roof repair is not done.
Sagging can also result from trying to save money by having an overlay done on your home rather than having the old material removed before putting on a new roof.
Sagging Due to Wood Damage
Another reason why your roof could be sagging is because of wood damage to the framing. Substantial leaks can cause the wood to expand as it absorbs water. It then warps or stretches when it dries out, causing the frame to sag as it does.
Unresolved and ongoing leaks can also result in the gradual rotting of structural frame components. Even some insect or mold damage can drastically weaken the framework. Some of the most serious and dangerous collapses that roof service professionals see are caused by framework that has rotted due to water damage and other factors.
If you notice that your roof is beginning to sag, you need to have roof services inspect it as soon as possible. Roofs that begin to lose their structural integrity and start to sag require immediate roof repair to prevent the problem from worsening or a dangerous collapse from happening. Your contractor can determine the cause of the sagging and decide the best way to repair the damage so your home is safe and sound!
