6 Top Causes of a Saggy Roof
Roofs are designed to have flat or angled surfaces, so saggy areas point to insufficient structural integrity. Also, a saggy roof is an eyesore and can be dangerous for you and your family. You can avoid this issue or prevent a reoccurrence if you understand what makes your roof saggy.
Discover six reasons why your roof may droop in.
1. Poor DIY Repairs
You should only attempt roof repairs if you are a professional. DIY repair can go wrong, especially if you make one of the following mistakes.
Poor Framework Repair
Your roof’s framework consists of rafters, frames, and trusses. All these components are your roof’s foundation and need expert repairs in case of damage. If you install the parts improperly, your roof fails to get enough support and sags.
Inappropriate Choice of Materials
While many quality roof materials exist, some are more suitable for certain weather conditions. Roofers understand the right material to use for your climate.
If you opt for DIY, you may use materials that do not support the weight of elements like ice and snow. While such materials may hold up for a short time, exposure to harsh weather elements makes your roof sag.
2. Excessive Weight
Manufacturers usually design roofs to handle a preset maximum weight load. Thus, any extra heaviness stresses your roof and causes sagging. For instance, snow can stay on your housetop for a long period of time and weaken the underlying structures. The case is especially true if your locality experiences freezing winters with heavy snow.
Excessive weight can also be a consequence of excess shingle layers. You can tear off the roof or install new shingles over the old ones during a replacement. Failure to remove the old shingles sometimes exerts excessive weight on your roof.
3. Moisture Damage
Although your roof can handle moderate drainage, heavy storms over time can cause damage. Structural issues in shingles, flashings, and other parts also allow moisture to destroy your roof. For instance, inadequate storm braces or undersized rafters let snow and ice rest on your roof. With time, your roof sags under repeated pressure.
Further, moisture seeps into roofing components if your gutters or downspouts do not deflect water. The trapped humidity allows mold and mildew growth, which weaken the roof frame. Your roof components can also rot and sag upon frequent exposure to moisture.
4. Old Age
Various roof materials usually have different expected lifetimes. So, even with good care, old age can creep up and cause your roof to sag. Unlike impact damage, you can recognize a roof that is beginning due to old age during maintenance. Your roofer can then notify you in good time to prepare for a replacement.
5. Lack of Proper Ventilation, Roof Drainage, or Insulation
Water can only escape easily if your roof has proper drainage. If there is no proper drainage mechanism, the water remains trapped and weakens your roofing components. Poor ventilation also allows the summer heat to build up and exacerbate your shingles’ degradation.
A lack of the appropriate insulation predisposes your roof to ice dams. This may cause your roof to crack and sag as the snow melts and then freezes again.
6. Weak Foundation or Joints
Sometimes, roof problems stem from foundational issues. For instance, when your house’s foundation shifts, your roof moves, and sags. If your saggy roof stems from foundational issues, you will notice a tilt or cracks on your foundation.
The ceiling joists connect your roof to the walls and provide support. However, with time, leaks or old age can weaken the beams. In turn, your roof lacks enough support and droops.
If you have a saggy roof, call a roofing contractor as soon as possible to avoid further damage or a collapse. Ray’s Harford Home Improvement Contractors, Inc., is at your service whenever you need repairs. Book a consultation today to get excellent services for your saggy roof and other repairs.
