October 06, 2022
A sagging roof is a serious issue because the roof's structure is not sound. This could be due to several reasons, such as the weight of the roof being too much for the supports or the supports themselves being weak or damaged. Either way, a sagging roof is a dangerous situation that should be addressed as soon as possible, but before you call a roofing company, let's find out what it means, what causes it, and how to fix it.
What It Means
A sagging roof has drooped or sunk over time, usually because of age or wear and tear. This can be a problem in old homes, as the roof structure may not be as strong as it once was.
Sagging is never a good sign. It could signify bigger issues, like too much weight on the roof. If there is any sagging, it should be looked into immediately.
What Causes It
A roof may sag for various reasons, including poor construction, leaks, and damage from severe weather.
Water damage is a common problem for roofs, especially when the sheathing is compromised. Sometimes roofs cannot distribute water properly, which can cause excess moisture. This can lead to the decaying of the roof seething, which can cause sagging. Sheathing replacement may be the only way to resolve the problem.
Another reason is undersized materials. For example, if your rafters are 2×4 instead of 2×6, they may not be able to support the weight of your roof. This can cause the walls to spread, which leads to a sagging roof.
And as mentioned earlier, heavy weight on the roof, such as from snow and ice, can cause problems. It is important to regularly clean off these things to prevent them from building up and causing damage. Heavy snowfall can be especially damaging, so it is important to be aware of this and take precautions with your roofing company.
Lastly, roofs may end up sagging due to age. As it wears and tears, it will eventually break down and will no longer be able to protect the home. When this occurs, the only viable choice is to replace the entire roof.
How You Can Fix It
That being said, performing a roof replacement on your home is a big job that should ideally be done by a professional. This isn't a quick or easy job, so it is best to leave it to someone who knows what they are doing.
But while you wait, you can try these DIY methods:
- Use lag screws and washers to attach chains from one side of the wall to the other to create a makeshift wall.
- Adding a turnbuckle that adjusts the tension in a chain or cable. This component consists of two threaded rods that are screwed into each other.
- Jack up the beam until it is level with the support post. Use a system of jacks and posts to support the beam while you work.
- Place jacks and posts in the middle of the room, evenly spaced.
- Jack the roof ridge upwards and tighten the chains each time.
In Summary
While drooping or sagging roofs are a major concern, there's no need to panic. Try the DIY methods above as a temporary solution. However, never stop there. Always contact a professional roofing company to look at your canopy and fix it properly before anything untoward happens to your home.
Call Cardinal Roof today for any concerns you may have about your roof. We're a roofing company that serves commercial and residential clients in Alabama and Middle Tennessee. Call (205) 784-3646 or reach us through our website!