Sagging is one of those roof issues that you may notice as a homeowner. You might glance up one day and see that the once smooth line of your roof's slope is beginning to curve downward. It's obviously a problem since the roof relies on both a smooth surface and a steady slope to shed water correctly. Sagging roofs hold water, leading to roof leaks and a cascade of other issues like rot and mold. But you may not already know what to do to deal with this kind of roof problem. Deciding between repairs and roof replacement largely depends on how much of your roof's surface is beginning to sag.
What Causes Roof Sag?
Roof sagging occurs any time the sheathing can't support the weight of the shingles any longer. It's a common problem seen when too many layers of asphalt shingles are layered on over the years. But it can occur under almost any shingle material when the sheathing becomes wet and then weakened. Slate and wood shingles often begin to sag dramatically after water damage or other similar issues weaken the sheathing. Since the sheathing won't dry out until the shingles are removed from the top, it's usually a problem that calls for roof replacement rather than just repair. Structural issues like undersized rafters can also lead to this problem over time.
Repairing Small Areas
Very small patches of roof sagging that are limited to a specific area may qualify for a roof repair instead. For example, a sagging dormer above an otherwise intact roof likely doesn't call for a full roof replacement. However, trying to patch and repair more than a limited area can result in leaks where the new and old roof materials join together. A roof replacement brings all of the sheathing and shingles to the same level, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring years of reliable performance.
Why Roof Replacement is Better
A roof replacement doesn't always involve the replacement of sheathing. However, removing all the existing shingles exposes this layer of plywood or similar material so it can be inspected and replaced as needed. It's very difficult to properly dry out or replace the sheathing layer without taking the roofing materials off first. Once you're working on this kind of intensive repair, you might as well invest in a roof replacement process that covers the surface with all new materials. There's no need to keep coming back and patching the same areas when you start from scratch again.
Contact a local roofing contractor to learn more.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.