Low dips on the rooftop are indicative of structural problems. Simple DIY solutions might fix the issue, but most often, property owners will need to call in the roofing contractors. Repairing a sagging rooftop requires comfort working at heights and, simultaneously, advanced carpentry skills.

How do you fix a sagging roof?

If the cause of the sagging roof is water damage, the source of the water damage must be addressed first. Water along the rooftop should be directed away with metal flashings installed on the valleys and junctions of the roof. Ensure the shingles and roofing materials are in good condition.

A damaged gutter system leads to water leakage and, inevitably, a sagging roof. Repair the dilapidated gutter as soon as possible to avoid issues later on. A poorly designed gutter should be replaced to prevent water from pooling on the roof and the resulting water damage that causes sagging.

If the roofing materials are not in good condition, replace the shingles and flashing. The sagging may be directly repaired with the installation of angled braces that shore up the rafters. Alternately, add support to the walls with chains attached to the wall plates.

Why do roofs sag?

Taxing weights add immense pressure to the roof structure. Common elements that add weighty loads to the roof are snow, ice and even wind. Without sufficient structural support to sustain the weight of nature’s elements, over time, the roof is likely to respond by sagging.

Water damage from rain and snow can lead to a sagging roof. The roofing structure should be in good condition to allow adequate water runoff from the shingles. Damage to the roof’s surface permits an entryway for water and the subsequent weakening and sagging of the rooftop.

Excess weight along the roof can occur from snowfalls. Especially in cold climates, when snow sits for prolonged periods of time on the roof, the structure will give way. Every roof is designed to support a certain amount of weight; anything above this weight will cause the roof to sag.

Structural issues, too, can lead to dips in the roof. Improper design and construction are culprits. The roof might sag when its structural components undergo damage. Failures to the roof’s supporting structures, like the property’s walls, also lead to dips in the roof. An aged roof is likely to sag.

Poor quality roofing materials are prone to weather and water damage, resulting in a rapidly deteriorating roof. High quality roofing materials endure longer; but even these roofs only have an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years, depending on the area’s climate and roof design.

Additionally, a property’s foundation might have shifted or sunk, causing the walls to shift. Cracks in the foundation are indicative of these dire shifts in the foundation. An unavoidable outcome of a shift in the foundation and walls include a sagging rooftop.

How do you safely remove snowfall?

If the roof sags due to heavy snows, clear the roof of snowfall. Use a roof rake to remove lighter snow. Incorrect snow removal can damage the roof, cause water damage and lead to further sagging. Consider call in roofing pros when dealing with heavy snowfall.

A properly designed roof should be able to sustain its own weight. Design flaws, however, can lead to weight-related dips in the roof. If the flaws are due to insufficient sheathing along the areas it covers, the solution is to replace the thin sheathing with thicker ones.

Should you replace inappropriate roofing materials?

Every roof is designed to carry a maximum weight. Installing new, heavier roofing materials or multiple layers of shingles can cause rooftop sagging, even on well-built roofs. The ideal fix is to remove all the excessive shingles and replace them.

On the other hand, a property owner might replace the shingles with materials that are inappropriate for the roof’s acceptable weight limit, such as installing clay tiles in lieu of wooden shingles. If the roof sags under the weight of clay, revert to lighter materials.

How do you repair decomposing roofs?

Rotting joists can lead to structural issues and subsequent sagging along the roof. Structural problems and decomposition may be repaired by tearing out the damaged roof, performing repairs and then filling the cavity. During the installation process, the flashing should be inspected for damage.

How do you fix foundation damage?

When the sagging roof is due to foundation damage, the latter must be addressed first. Poor drainage is a common cause of foundation ruin. A remedy for insufficient drainage is to ensure that the downspouts and gutters direct water away from the foundation by at least three feet.

The foundation may also drop as a result of nearby tree roots. The roots absorb moisture in close proximity to the foundation, leading to soil shrinkage. The foundation inevitably drops, leading to a sagging or wavy roof. Remove the tree roots near the foundation to start resolving the roof issue.

Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor

A commercial roof has an important connection to the foundation below it. When the foundation unsettles, the roof will be affected. Similarly, the number of aforementioned factors, from water damage to roofing materials, influence the health of the roof. Consult Reliable Roofing when your roof sags.

As an experienced roofing contractor, Reliable Roofing will repair your sagging roof quickly and efficiently. Our trained roofing technicians perform a range of commercial roofing services, including storm damage repair, leak repair and prevention, roof restoration and shingle repair and replacement.

Companies place full trust in Reliable Roofing and our comprehensive roofing services. Our roofing contractors are licensed, bonded and highly skilled. We partner with the industry’s leading roofing manufacturers, and we use only high-quality materials in every project we undertake.

When your commercial property in the Chicago suburbs is in need of a local, reputable commercial roofer, turn to Reliable Roofing. We take pride in the countless satisfied businesses we have served. Reliable Roofing specialists respond to calls within 24 hours, ensuring your roof receives immediate attention.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.