5 Reasons For A Sagging Roof

A sagging roof indicates a major structural problem, which could be dangerous if not addressed promptly. Sags can occur along the roof ridgeline, at the eaves, or across the expanse of the main roof plane.

1. Decking Damage

The most common cause of roof sag is damage to the plywood decking. Age can weaken decking boards, but moisture is the real problem. The plywood can absorb moisture if there is a leak. This weakens the wood fibers and causes them to warp. The result is a weakened and warped plywood sheet that then sags between the roof trusses to which it is attached. Damaged decking must be replaced to prevent a collapse.

2. Weight Overload

Sometimes the weight on the roof surpasses what the materials were designed to hold. Weight overload can occur during heavy snow accumulation, when the old shingles are left in place during a new roof install, or as a result of placing items like solar panels on the roof. The decking nor the trusses are designed to hold the extra weight, so they simply begin to sag under the load.

3. Truss Failure

Your roof is supported by a network of trusses, which are made of metal or wood. Metal trusses tend to last a long time with no chances for sagging, but wood trusses can become damaged and fail. If a truss cracks or begins to rot, the lack of support can lead to a sag along the ridge or gable ends of a roof. Sometimes a badly shifting house will also cause a truss to come out of square, which leads to a roof sag.

4. Vent Stack Damage

There are multiple vents that penetrate your roof, some from the plumbing, others from the attic, or from the bathrooms. A sag around a vent stack means that there is a leak in the roof between the vent and the shingles. Usually, this space is sealed with a rubber boot or weatherstripping, but if they fail, water will seep in. The roof around the stack weakens from water damage, causing the roof to sag around the vent.

5. Weak Materials

A roof that is sagging soon after installation can indicate an issue with the materials used. The most common problem is that new decking was made from overly thin plywood, so it can't support the weight of the shingles over the expanses between trusses.

Contact a roofing contractor if you notice a bow in the roof.

About Me

Roofers Keep You Safe

If you were asked to list professions that focus on safety, which ones would come to mind first? Most people would name police officers, firefighters, and perhaps forest rangers. But what about roofers? They may not seem like the most likely of answers, but think about it. Roofers put roofs on your home, and roofs definitely keep you safe. Your roof protects you from storms. It protects you from tree branches. It even protects you from the scorching hot rays of the summer sun! So, there you have it — roofers keep you safe! We are excited to write more about roofers on this blog.

Search

Categories

Archive

Latest Posts

17 October 2024
Maintaining the roof of your home is crucial to its longevity and your family’s safety. While many homeowners may overlook routine roof maintenance, t

1 October 2024
Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects you and your family from the elements and keeps your belongings safe. So w

17 September 2024
When it comes to remodeling your home, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the roof. Your roof not only is a protective shield for your h

Tags