Your home or office roof has one main job and that is to protect the structure, its occupants and the items contained inside. Keeping a roof healthy, especially in Florida climates, goes beyond ensuring that the roofing materials used are in good shape and that the roof is free of debris. Although hidden from view, the roof supports and underlying materials, keeps the entire structure from sagging, warping or worse…collapsing. That is why it is so important for only a professional roofing contractor, like Sunrise Roofing to inspect these elements to ensure no roofing problems exist. Roofing issues that might hinder the roof supports should be corrected as soon as possible since they can endanger the entire roofing system.
The strength and durability of any roof actually rests solely on the support it gets from below and within.
According to Travis Berkey, owner and operator of Sunrise Roofing Company, Jacksonville Beaches premier roofing contractor, there are a few issues all compromised roofing systems have in common.
Here are a few issues to watch out for, and they include any roof leaking issues, possible ineffective bracing supporting the structure, and obviously any poor-quality materials that were used in its construction.
Initial Signs Of Roof Support Issues
Some signs of support issues are more obvious than others depending on where they occur. For example, while noticeable water damage within the structure can suggest a support problem, worn or damaged wood beneath the overlaying roofing material is a major indicator. Of course, a sagging roof line is also an indicator that the underlying structure has been compromised. To properly identify any issues, one might go outside and look at the roof from the ground, or inside to an attic space where damage, if present, should be visible. If you notice any moisture, mildew or mold damage, it is time to call a professional roofing company like Sunrise Roofing for an immediate inspection to determine if repair or replacement is necessary.
The 4 Most Common Sources Of Roof Support Issues
- POOR QUALITY INSTALLERS
One main reason roof supports can be compromised, is if the roof was built by a non-licensed roofer. These types of companies usually employ unskilled workers not experienced to detect any roof structure issues that might exist. They are usually more interested in completing the job quickly, so many new installation roofs have been installed over damaged wood. The use of inferior materials, when damage is detected, can also lead to support issues. The supporting materials employed, must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the roof. Support systems on most homes are typically made of wooden beams, but for larger projects, where more load is required, steel beams may be the best option. If you are building a custom home, ask your builder which materials are the best for the structure you are building. - LEAKING ROOFS
Water damage is the number one cause for wearing down the underlying roof structure. Poorly installed roofs again can create condensation not readily noticeable and improper shingle installation can cause water leakage, waterlogging roof supports over time, eventually leading to damaged wood rot. This can also create the perfect breeding ground for insect infestation, termites, mold, and other compromising roof support problems. If you notice any water damage, anywhere in the structure, it is crucial to get a professional roofing company to inspect the damage and remediate the problem. Roof replacement might be necessary if the underlying structure has been significantly compromised. - POOR ROOF MAINTENANCE
Regular, proper roof maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your roof. This should include, debris removal, including leaves, branches, any mold or mildew that might have accumulated and proper gutter cleaning and maintenance. It is also important to inspect your roof periodically for signs of any wind damage to shingles. Missing or cracked shingles can create the perfect gateway for water infiltration. Again, looking for signs of water leaks inside your home, especially around vents, chimneys and skylights. It is also a good idea to trim trees and overhanging branches and always keep gutters free of accumulating debris. - INEFFECTIVE BRACING
For some contractors and especially in older homes the use of rafters rather than trusses might have been employed. Rafters will typically require braces to help support the weight of the roof. Poor or inexpensive choices used in building the braces can lead to serious problems over time. The position of the bracing is crucial to the integrity of the structure and braces should be built against interior load-bearing walls. If they are not, the roof may sag, and the rooftop may become crooked. Unfortunately, many builders or unlicensed roofers prioritize speed over quality. Bracing against partition walls instead of load-bearing is a common mistake that can lead to structural issues as described above. If improper bracing has been established, it is best to hire a contractor that holds both a building and roofing license like Sunrise Roofing. Some of the warning signs might include, upstairs floors begin to sag, windows and doors become hard to open and close and even interior walls might start to lean inward.
Why hire Sunrise Roofing Company?
With over 25 years of experience, as both a general contractor and a roofing contractor, Sunrise Roofing has the experience to remediate any roofing problem a residential or commercial structure may have. We specialize in all types of roofing services including: sub-roof repairs, roof repairs for asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs and tile roofs as well as re-roof or new roof installation for both residential and commercial buildings.
We also specialize in all types of tile roofs including, ceramic, concrete and clay, repairs, maintenance and replacement.
If you are considering upgrading your existing asphalt shingled roof to a new tile roof, you first need to identify if the underlying sub-roof is strong enough to withstand the additional weight caused by a tile roof. We specialize in many such upgrades for homes all over North Florida.
At Sunrise Roofing we also excel at exceeding all county codes and manufacturer’s recommended installation guidelines. We ensure that the roof repairs and new roof installations we provide are the best in the business, all at a price you can afford. Give us a call today at 904-323-1929.
