Sagging Roof Repair

Did you know that “sagging” is a Naval term?

You thought it was something your mother got on to you about when she yelled at you to “pull up your sagging jeans boy, nobody wants to see your underwear.” Actually, sagging as it refers to ships is the amount of stress on the downward bend or downward sag of the ship’s hull as it passes through the waves. It is important for sailors to know in order to keep the hull from snapping or cracking.

It is important as well to be aware that when your roof begins to sag that there is stress taking place in the roof structure itself. And if left unattended at some point there is going to be some serious snapping and cracking caused by that sagging roof.

Oxford dictionary defines “sagging” as; a sinking or bulging downwards under weight or pressure, or through lack of strength. Usually when a roof begins sagging it is because of lack of strength to support itself. This could be caused from snow and ice over a long number of years slowly causing the roof to sag. Or, it could be caused by too many layers of shingles built up over several times of being re-roofed.

It may also be caused by improper construction techniques at the time when the home was built. Or, it may be over time the structure may have become weak from age. Whatever the cause listen to your mother, nobody likes sagging. And consider your neighbors. Your sagging roof may be a bad reflection on the neighborhood.

Sometimes a sagging roof can be repaired from underneath the roof inside the attic by using jacks to slowly lift the rafters by into place, then using steel L channel to reinforce the rafter. Bolts and nuts, as needed, should be placed through the L channel and fastened to straighten the rafter. Then, the jacks should be removed so the rafters can support the weight on its own.

Another method is to nail or screw another joist on every other original joist across the roof. The second joist should be as long as possible insuring as much strength as achievable.

There are also times when the sagging in your roof may be too bad to repair from inside your attic. In this case you will need to remove whatever part of the roof covering on the outside that you need to in order to reach the bent or damaged rafters underneath.

This may call for removing shingles, sheathing, and roof decking. While the roof is removed it is a good idea to check all the rafters and trusses and replace any in question at this point rather than having to repeat the process again later.

Here’s another naval term for you… Smooth Sailing. Don’t drown because you’ve gotten in over your head. Remember you can always call a qualified or experienced professional to do the job for you if you feel the project is too complicated for you.

For help with your roof repair, contact us http://asaproofingathens.com/