Did you notice that your once-level roof is beginning to sag? Roof sagging is a common problem, especially in older homes. Even a very slightly sagging roof can threaten a building’s structural integrity and create a serious safety hazard.
Is any amount of sagging a cause for alarm? How much roof sag is acceptable, and when should you call a roofing company in Orange, CA?
What Is Roof Sagging?
A sagging roof has a drooping or wavy appearance. A roof may sag across an entire side, in sections, or in specific areas, such as around vents or chimneys. Roof sagging is a usually gradual process that may go on for a long time before you suspect there’s anything wrong with your roof.
Causes of Roof Sagging in Orange, CA
Why do roofs sag? Age, wear and tear, poor construction, and excessive weight may all cause sagging and compromise roof safety. Understanding the cause helps you evaluate how much roof sag is acceptable.
Low-Quality Construction
If your roof sags prematurely, its support system may be the culprit. Undersized rafters, insufficient bracing, or poorly constructed roof joists can all lead to sagging. Proper roof support is especially critical for heavier roofing materials like slate or terracotta tiles.
Roof Age
Your roof’s longevity depends on several factors, the first of which is the material. Even if you invest in regular maintenance, some roofing materials are simply more durable than others.
For instance, while a standard shingle roof should last about 15 years in Orange, CA, clay tile roofs can serve you up to 50 years, and metal or slate roofs may last up to a century. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and sagging, it probably needs replacement.
Water Damage
Water damage is another common cause of roof sagging. For example, gutter blockages can make water back into your roof and damage the roof decking, which then won’t be able to support the roof adequately. Water may also seep in through damaged shingles. Water damage can compromise your home’s entire structure, not just the roof.
Too Much Weight
A roof that’s too heavy will inevitably sag. Excess weight often becomes a problem when homeowners opt for re-roofing, i.e., installing a new layer of shingles over an old roof.
How To Identify Sagging
Roof sagging can be hard to notice, especially in its early stages. Surveying your roof from a distance will make it easier to spot any dips, curves, or unevennesses in your roof and evaluate how much roof sag is acceptable. A level or a long, straight broomstick can also help identify misalignment.
Look for any cracks in your ceiling or walls, which often happen because a sagging roof puts too much pressure on your home’s structure. Inspect your roof’s underside from your crawl space or attic and check for sagging rafters, uneven decking, or cracks.
Note that DIY roof checks can be useful but won’t replace professional roof inspections and maintenance. Roofs in Orange, CA, need an inspection and servicing at least once a year.
Is Roof Sagging a Serious Problem?
Unfortunately, yes. A sagging roof can cause leaks, moisture damage, mold overgrowth, and harm to your ceilings and walls. In extreme cases, a sagging roof may collapse and threaten anyone inside the house.
Is Any Amount of Sag Acceptable?
Exactly how much roof sag is acceptable? With shingle roofs, professionals usually class roof sag as a problem once it reaches 0.25 inches per ten feet of roof. Contractors use a simple tool called a sagging rod to measure sagging in several strategic locations across the roof and determine whether sag has reached a critical point.
If you aren’t a professional roofer, it’s hard to know whether sagging calls for roof repair or even full replacement. To be safe, schedule a prompt roof inspection if you notice even slight sagging.
Call All About Roofing Repair & Installation for Reliable Roofing Services in Orange, CA
Is your roof sagging? Are you wondering how much roof sag is acceptable? Protect your home by scheduling a quick inspection from All About Roofing Repair & Installation. We may suggest repairs or help you decide whether the value added by a new roof justifies the investment.
Call us at (714) 943-2109 or complete our quick form for cost-effective roofing solutions in Orange, CA.