There are several things that a sagging roof can mean, so it is good to inspect the roof so you can catch problems before they develop into bigger issues. To do this, you’ll need to inspect the roof from inside as well as outside the house.
For the outside inspection, pick a place where the ridge of the roof is entirely visible: inspect from the side of the house and not the end. Use a ruler or straight age held between you and the roof. If the roof varies from the contour of the straightedge (especially if it varies dramatically), you may have a problem. Note the locations where it is low (or is raised) the most. You can even measure the spot from a fixed point and note these measurements. Next, it’s time to move on to the interior part of the inspection.
Use a stepladder to access the attic panel in the house or use the pull-down stairs. Make sure you have a flashlight with you or use the attic light. Inspect the locations noted earlier to make sure the rafters are not coming apart or other obvious reasons for the unevenness in the roof. Verify that the rafters remain tied: they are usually tied from end to end. If the rafters are not tied or the ties are broken or missing, the top of the outside walls will flex outward. If this occurs, it will cause sags on the ridge of the roof.
Use the measurements you made during the outside inspection to inspect the roof from the inside. Usually, if the tarpaper sags between rafters, it might not be strong enough to support the weight of the shingles. During your inside inspection of the roof, note any water stains or moisture, which can be indications of a leak in the roof.
If you notice any of these signs then please contact a professional asap. At Carsa Construction, we are available in Frisco, Carrollton, Little Elm, and McKinney Texas.
