If you’re a homeowner in Gaithersburg, MD, or the surrounding area and have been noticing that your roof is sagging, New Paradigm Projects is here to help. Having concerns about a sagging roof is completely valid, as the condition of the roof of your house has a bearing on the integrity of your entire home. Having a professional team deal with your roof as soon as possible is vital, as neglecting issues can lead to bigger problems down the road. You could wind up with a severely damaged ceiling, water leaks, and structural damage. In a worst-case scenario, a sagging roof that’s not addressed could collapse.
Thankfully, you do not have to live with a sagging roof. New Paradigm Projects has the knowledge and experience to restore your roof to its original splendor, giving you and your family peace of mind.
Signs of a Sagging Roof
Determining if the middle of your roof is sagging may seem pretty straightforward—all you have to do is look, right? This is true, up to a point. Often, unless you are a professional, this might not be totally clear until the sag is significant. If you are able to catch a sagging roof early, it could save you some money on repairs.
That is why it is worth going over the signs of a sagging roof. Aside from being able to visually spot the sag, here are some clues that your roof could be sagging in the middle:
- Water leaks on ceilings
- Buckling or tearing roofing material
- Curling or cupping roof shingles
- Pooling water in sinking area
Reasons for a Sagging Roof
Water Damage
Water damage is a common reason for a sagging roof. If there is heavy rainfall or snow and it is not properly draining, this can result in sagging. When the rainwater or melted snow has nowhere to go, it winds up seeping into the sheathing. Over time, this can cause decay or rot, leaving you with a roof that begins to sag in the middle.
Excessive Loads
Excessive weight can be a cause for roof sagging. It can be a cause on its own or in combination with other causes, like water damage. Excessive weight can put enough pressure on a roof to weaken its structure. Roofing systems are generally designed to withstand the weight of snowfall, but every structure has its limit. This is especially true if a roof is already nearing the end of its lifespan. Making sure to clear your roof of snow can help prevent this problem. Too much weight can also come from having too many roofing materials or layers of shingles. Before piling too much roofing material on your roof, get the amount of load it can handle professionally assessed.
Undersized and Improper Materials
Incorrectly sized materials used in the construction of the roof are another common culprit for sagging. Proper roofing requires precise measurements and the right materials. Too often, it is found out too late that measurements were not quite right in the construction of a roof or that the right materials were not chosen for an area’s climate or other factors.
Age
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. That is even true with the roofs over our heads. A typical roof is designed to last around twenty years. Natural wear and tear can eventually cause a roof to sag by that point.
Different Types of Roofing
The method used to fix a sagging roof may vary slightly depending on the type of roof and the reason for the sag.
There are three primary types of roofs:
- Rafter roofs
- Truss roofs
- Flat roofs
Rafter roofs are a traditional roofing style not used as often in modern homes. This type of roofing uses rafters as the primary structural component when a roof is sloped. In houses with basic gable roofs, the framing forms a right-angle triangle. The angled boards that meet at the top are the rafters, while the bottom horizontal boards are known as rafter ties. With this type of construction, the most common reason for a sagging roof is improperly sized rafters or insufficient bracing.
Modern homes primarily utilize what are known as truss roofs. The principle concept of triangulation is carried over from rafter roofing, but truss roofing is comprised of a significantly increased amount of internal support. This allows for smaller pieces of lumber. It is usually a combination of factors that can lead to sagging when a home has truss roofing, such as weak internal bracing combined with an excessive amount of weight on the roof.
A flat roof is comprised of horizontal beams that go over the top of a building’s walls. Although this type of roof may appear to be completely flat to the untrained eye, it is actually designed with a slight slope to allow for proper drainage. With a flat roof, sagging can often be attributable to weakened or undersized joists, which support the structure. It can also happen due to issues with the layers beneath the roofing.
How To Fix a Sagging Roof
If a home has a traditional rafter roof, there could be several options for fixing it. The best method can depend on the root cause of the sag and its severity. In many cases, a roofing contractor will opt to reinforce the internal framing. However, if the roofing material already requires replacement, the answer could be to do away with the old sheathing and install larger rafters.
With truss-style roofs, if there are problems with the sheathing, this can be fixed by replacing the sheathing.
Whether you have a rafter, truss-style, or flat roof, the first key to fixing a sagging roof is addressing any underlying structural issue that is contributing to the problem. Once the structure is sufficiently reinforced, the specific areas that are sagging are then repaired.
The first step in fixing the damage is identifying the problem areas. From there, replacing materials in the sagging areas may be required. This could be damaged sheathing, plywood, or even insulation.
Preventative Tips
Once a professional contractor fixes your sagging roof, it is important to practice preventative measures so that your repaired roof lasts for many years. Setting up a routine maintenance plan is the best way to do this. Regular roof inspections allow for the identification of any potential issues early, so that they do not turn into big problems. Clearing debris from your roof is also vital to prevent clogs by allowing for proper drainage. It would help if you also talked to your contractor about potential waterproofing measures.
Your Gaithersburg Roofing Specialists
When your roof is sagging, our team at New Paradigm Projects is just a phone call away. Take advantage of our top-notch roofing inspection services. We have the expertise to match your project needs. Our team goes well beyond roofing as well. We can help get you through everything from addressing storm damage to your home to plotting out a kitchen remodel. To see everything we can do for you and your family, give New Paradigm Projects a call today.
