Your home’s roof has one job: to protect the house and what’s inside it. Keeping your roof healthy goes beyond ensuring all the shingles are in good shape and the gutters are cleaned out. Although hidden, the roof supports do the most important work: keeping the structure from collapsing or warping. Roofing issues that hinder roof supports are very dangerous and should be corrected as soon as possible since they can endanger the entire roof system.
The strength and durability of your roof rests (literally and figuratively) on the support it gets. There are a few common issues to watch out for, including a leaky roof, ineffective bracing, poor quality materials, and more.
Signs of Roof Support Issues
Some signs of support issues are more obvious than others. For example, while worn wood and water damage can suggest a support problem, a sagging roof is a major indicator. To check, go outside and look at the roof from the ground. If you notice it sagging even a little bit, it’s time to call a professional roofing company for an inspection and repair or replacement.
Your home’s interior can also show signs that the roof support is lacking. Without proper roof support, upstairs floors will begin to sag, and the walls will lean inward. This often prevents doors and windows from opening or closing easily. It’s very important to address these warning signs as soon as possible before the foundation of your home suffers.
4 Common Sources of Roof Support Issues
Poor Quality Materials
One reason roof support can be hindered is if the roof was built with inferior materials. The support material must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the roof as well as the climate in which the house resides. Support systems are typically wooden or steel beams. Solid wooden beams can be the right choice for smaller roofs, but for larger ones with more load to bear, steel beams may be the better option. If you are building a custom home, ask your chosen builder which materials will be the best for where you live and the structure you are building.
Leaking Roof
Water damage can be insidious, slowly wearing down the roof structure over time. Bad roof leaks like those caused by shingle damage or condensation can waterlog roof supports over and over again, eventually leading to damage and rot. This can also create the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can put your health at risk. When you notice water damage, it is crucial to get a professional roofing company to inspect the damage and perform any necessary repairs or replacement.
Poor Maintenance
Regular home maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your house, and this goes beyond simple gutter cleaning and chimney sweeping. It is also important to inspect your roof regularly for signs of damage to keep your roof supports protected from the elements. Inspect the roof for missing or cracked shingles, as these can create a gateway for water infiltration. Look for signs of water or leaks inside your home, as well. Clean your gutters, wash the roof to get rid of any dark algae streaks, and trim any branches that hang over your roof.
Ineffective Bracing
If a rooftop uses rafters rather than trusses, it will typically require braces to help support the weight of the roof. Poor choices in building the braces can lead to serious problems later on. The position of the bracing is crucial to the integrity of the structure.
Braces should be built against interior load-bearing walls. When they are not, the roof may sag, the rooftop may become crooked, and other serious problems can arise. Unfortunately, some builders prioritize speed over quality of construction and place the bracing against partition walls instead. Ineffective supports should be addressed by trusted local professional roofers as soon as possible. They will be able to provide advice about the proper course of action.
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