Most people take their roofs for granted until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s often too late. A roof that sags in the middle is not only unsightly, it can also be a sign of more serious roof damage that needs to be repaired right away. But what causes this sagging, and how can you prevent it?

Common Causes of a Roof Sagging in the Middle

If you have a roof that appears to be sagging in the middle and are concerned, you should be. It can be a bad situation that needs to be repaired as soon as possible. We’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of a roof sagging in the middle. We’ll also discuss ways to protect your roof from these problems and extend its lifespan. So if your roof is starting to sag, read on for some tips on what to do about it.

When a roof starts to sag it will usually do so over a period of time so it can go un-noticed initially. But as the sag gets more and more pronounced it can become very obvious. This can be a real problem for curb appeal as well and can make the value of your home go down. Not only that but it can create a dangerous situation if the roof starts to sag too much it can end up collapsing under it’s own weight. A routine roof inspection can help to prevent this problem by addressing the issues before the roof starts to sag.

Improper Installation on the Roof

One of the most common causes of a sagging roof is improper installation. If your roof wasn’t installed correctly in the first place, it’s more likely to sag over time. This is why it’s so important to hire a reputable, experienced roofing contractor to do the job right. Be sure to get references and check them out before you hire anyone. Typically the reason why a roof that isn’t leaking is sagging is because it simply doesn’t have enough support bracing throughout the roof.

Roof Supports are Damaged

A common cause of a sagging roof is inadequate support. Your roof needs to be able to support its own weight, as well as any additional weight from things like snow and ice. If there isn’t enough support, the roof will start to sag in the middle. This is often due to rotted or damaged rafters or trusses. Again, this is something that a professional roofing contractor can help you with. When a roof is leaking it can damage some of the support bracing such as rafters which can cause the roof to sag.

Roof Not Draining As it Should

Another common cause of a sagging roof is poor drainage. Typically this problem affects roofs which have less of a pitch bur can be seen in areas such as valleys of the roof. If your roof doesn’t drain properly, water can build up on it and cause the shingles to warp and sag. This is usually caused by clogged gutters or downspouts. Be sure to keep them clean and clear so that water can flow freely off of your roof.

Roofing Over the Old Roof

The biggest problem with a sagging roof is that the roof simply can’t support the weight of the roof along with snow and ice. One option when getting a roof replaced is to get the new roof over the old roof. This can add a lot of weight to the roof which can certainly cause it to sag if its not properly installed. Here in Ypsilanti Michigan the limit for roofing shingles is two layers so if your roof already has two layers of shingles you will need to remove the old roofing material to install a new roof.

If your roof is sagging, don’t wait to get it fixed. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get. Contact a professional roofing contractor right away to discuss your options and get the repairs you need. Here at Ypsilanti Roofing Company we offer a variety of roofing services to help you get your roof back the way it should be quickly and affordably. Call us today for a free quote at 734-291-0165