Is your roof sagging? If so, you may be worried about the stability and safety of your home. After all, a sagging roof is not only unsightly, but it can also be a sign of serious structural problems. Don’t panic, though! While a sagging roof is a cause for concern, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof is in imminent danger of caving in. In most cases, a professional roofer can repair a sagging roof relatively quickly and easily. But you must address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Is A Sagging Roof A Problem?
A sagging roof is definitely a problem. It’s unattractive, but it can also lead to more serious issues like leaks and eventual collapse. If you’re dealing with a sagging roof, call a professional roofer as soon as possible. They will help determine the cause and make any necessary repairs.
What Are The Dangers Of A Sagging Roof?
Leaks:
One of the most common dangers of a sagging roof is leaks. When roofs sag, they often create gaps and cracks that allow water to enter your home, which can lead to severe water damage and mold growth throughout the house.
Collapse:
If you leave your roof sagging for too long, it could eventually collapse. That would obviously be a very hazardous situation and one that you want to avoid at all costs, so it’s important to get a sagging roof repaired as soon as possible.
What Causes A Sagging Roof?
There are several reasons why roofs begin to sag. Here are the most common:
Water Damage:
Water damage is one of the most common causes of a sagging roof. Roofs are designed to drain and repel water, but sometimes gutters aren’t working correctly because they haven’t been cleaned properly (or don’t exist at all), or there is damage to the shingles. This can cause water to pool on the roof, and as the moisture sits, it can begin to rot the roof’s structure — eventually causing it to sag.
Excess Weight:
Another common cause of roof sag is too much weight on the structure. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and ice during the winter, your roof is more likely to sag due to excess weight. And if your roof isn’t adequately supported, its own weight can cause it to start sagging.
Age:
Roofs of older homes were designed differently, and the materials were of a different quality than they are today. It’s not uncommon for older roofs to be weaker and more prone to sagging.
Damage:
Your roof may also sag from storm damage. Damaged roofs must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and sagging.
Poor Design, Materials, Or Workmanship:
If your roof was inadequately designed, poorly built, or made with inferior materials (or materials that weren’t the proper sizes), it’s more likely to sag over time.
Can You Fix A Sagging Roof?
In most cases, a sagging roof can be fixed. The best way to do this is to have a professional roofer come and take a look at it. They’ll specify the cause of the sag and make necessary repairs. These repairs could include things like:
- Jacking up the roof to support it while repairs are made
- Replacing damaged or rotted wood
- Adding support to the roof
- Repairing or replacing gutters
- Fixing any damage to shingles
- Replacing the entire roof (depending on the damage)
How Do You Stabilize A Sagging Roof?
To stabilize a sagging roof, a professional roofing contractor will need to add support with trusses, jacks, or other braces so it can’t hang down any further. While you can do that yourself, we highly advise against it as it can be very dangerous. It’s always best to have a professional roofer stabilize your roof.
How Much Roof Sag Is Acceptable?
There is no such thing as an “acceptable” roof sag. Any amount of sag is cause for concern and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become, so it’s always best to take care of it right away.
Does Insurance Cover A Sagging Roof?
It depends on your policy, but in our experience, insurance doesn’t usually cover a sagging roof. This is because insurance companies typically consider it preventable with proper maintenance. However, if your roof sags due to a natural phenomenon, like a tree falling on it during a storm, they may cover it. It’s always best to check with your insurance company to be sure.
Reach Out To A Roofing Expert
If you have a sagging roof, it should be repaired as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to have a professional roofer come out and take a look at it. They’ll make the necessary repairs and also tell you what caused the sag. That way you can prevent it from happening in the future.
Alte Exteriors is the best choice for roof repair in northern New Jersey. We are a family-owned business with over 50 years of experience in the industry. We pride ourselves on our quality craft and excellent customer service. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to come out and look at your roof to give you the peace of mind you need.