Fix Sagging Roof Rafters

In many cases you ll need to fix sagging trusses or rafters to repair your roof.

Fix sagging roof rafters.

Sagging rafters can lead to serious problems with the entire roofing system. This article describes a diy repair project using a site built spreader to straighten sagged roof rafters and decking. Ceiling joists are placed at the ends of the rafters to keep the rafters from spreading out and sagging. If your ceiling drywall is sagging between joists sometimes called pillowing it s probably on the top floor and attached to the roof trusses.

When rain water comes through your roof s shingles the plywood will wrap rot or weaken and this will make the roof look like it is sagging between its rafters. Therefore giving them a good look is critical when addressing sagging bowed or wavy roofs. If so i bet the installers used 1 2 in. If your rafters are still sagging a bit and it is causing your roof to dish out a little in the center of the roof sides add a 2x4 that goes all the way across the rafters in the center of the length of the rafters.

Half inch drywall can sag if it s hung under roof trusses that are spaced every 24 in. Drywall instead of 5 8 in. Seeking professional help some problems relating to a sagging roof line should definitely be evaluated by a professional in the roofing industry. One of the most common causes of roof issues are problems related to the rafters or trusses.

If you notice that there is a visible dip in your roof chances are you have a problem with one or several rafters and you may soon be facing more issues like water leaks bowed out walls or your roof caving in on you. Roof rafter decking sagging. How to fix sagging roof trusses or rafters. This can cause roof caving water leakage.

Realignment of the rafters may solve the sagging problem. Grab a flashlight and head up to your attic to inspect your roof rafters and decking specifically those where your roof is sagging. Rafters support the weight of the roof and any rain or snow that falls on it. Sagging rafters may be the result of numerous heavy snowfalls or inadequate ceiling joists.

When considering what to do about sags in a roof start by noticing if the sag is in sheathing between rafters page top photo0 or sagging along the length of the rafters. This can be a serious problem in future if not treated at the right time. Use your string line to determine how much the roof need to go up. Also inspect the metal or plywood gusset plates used where your wood meets on a truss look for damage that includes cracks rot breaks and any other impairment.

Sagging rafters can be a serious and deadly in some cases problem in your roofing system. They have issues for a wide variety of reason including damage from wind storms overloading from ice and snow leaks etc. You ll need a steel l channel to get your rafter or truss back into shape.