The roof is one of the most important parts of a house as that is what will protect you, your home, and the structure of your building from the most extreme weather. A sagging roof can look quite shocking but on occasion, it may not be as bad as you think it is as there could be several factors at fault. A sagging roof can be a sign there are faults with the structure of your roof or could be an indication that it has been affected by the outdoor weather conditions. This article will discuss the various causes your sagging roof may be indicating and what to watch out for:
1) The shingles may need replacing
If you find that your roof is only slightly sagging by 1 inch, then this could be a sign that you may need the shingles replaced. This could only need replacing in one area or one small patch, It is important to check your entire roof to see how much sagging there is and across what area of the roof is sagging
2) Replacement Roof
If you have found that the sagging across your roof is in large patches/areas of the roof or that the sagging has occurred for a long time, this may be an indication that it is time to replace the roof. This sounds like a drastic route but roof replacements are easy to achieve by hiring a professional company.
3) Improper insulation
If you can see that your roof is sagging in one spot, this could indicate that there has been improper insulation or a small issue in your insulation in one area. During the winter months, ice can cause damage to the ventilation of the roof which can then go on to cause damage to the insulation and the roof shingles.
4) Water entering through a gap
If you find that there is a leak or one small area of your roof is sagging, this could be a sign that water has been able to enter and cause damage. This is easily fixed by purchasing a replacement chimney cap or a new ridge vent.
5) Rotten roof trusses
To tell if your roof is sagging beyond 2 inches you can use a leveling measure. If you can see daylight through this part of the sagging it could mean that the roof trusses are rotten and have caused this damage. It is important to repair your roof quickly after you notice the patch of sagging to prevent further damage or a replacement roof.
6) Extreme wet weather damage
One of the most common causes of roof damage is extreme wet weather like rain, hail, or snow. These extreme conditions can cause cracking and sagging to your roof shingles. This damage can often occur when the shingles on your roof are older and more worn as the shingles need to be in good condition for these extreme weathers to run off your roof and not linger, which can cause damage. If water or snow sits on your roof for a long period of time it can cause damage to the underlying structure which will then cause your roof to start to sag.
7) A Broken Gutter
The reason your roof may be sagging and have damage may not be caused by a problem that is occurring directly on your roof shingles, it may be your gutter! If your gutter is broken and not working properly the water on your roof will seep into the shingles rather than run off the gutter.
8) Poor Ventilation
If you have poor ventilation in your attic this could be a cause of why you are experiencing water issues with your roof. Poor ventilation can cause water to build up on the underside of your roof which leads to your roof sagging.
9) Excess Weight
Excess weight from the build-up of snow that sits on your roof can cause sagging. This is due to the fact that your roof is designed to be able to hold a specific maximum amount of weight and any weight above this could cause damage. If you have a roof that has two layers of shingles, this could also be another factor as to why your roof is sagging due to weight. Certain structures are not designed to be able to hold multiple layers of shingles and therefore it could be a cause of your roof sagging and should be removed and replaced with just one layer of roof shingles.
10) Faulty material
One of the more unusual causes of your roof sagging is that your roofing materials may have faults or could have been inappropriately fitted. If faulty installation has occurred, this could cause your roof to sag or give in. If there are cheaper roofing materials used on your roof, these materials can give in to water damage more easily.
When You Should Replace Your Roof Rather Than Fix Your Roof
Your roof can last up to 30 years depending on what kind of material you have used. If your roof has started sagging, you should inspect your roof fully first before moving onto the structure of your home as this could also be the cause of your roof sagging.
When deciding if it is time to replace your roof you should consider that you may want to replace your roof earlier rather than later to prevent any further damage.
If you can see daylight through your roof, cracks in your shingles or the sagging is deeper than 2 inches, your roof may need fully replacing. Your roof also may need replacing if it is older than 20 years.
How Can RGB Construction Help?
At RGB Construction, our dependable team has the knowledge and experience you need to get your roof in tip-top shape. We clean gutters, repair damage, and much more. Plus, if we spot any additional trouble areas, we will let you know and provide solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or an appointment at 856-264-9093.
