As any building ages, it is bound to pick up a few signs of wear and tear, but when are these a danger to your family? Each part of a building serves a purpose and each of these works together to create a structure that is safe. A sturdy roof is an important feature of a safe home and can be its first downfall too. With the South Florida hurricane season fast approaching, it is important to inspect your home to be aware of safety risks and to repair them sooner rather than later. Here are the top 3 signs that you may be at risk for a collapsing roof.
1. Cracks
When it comes to assessing the durability of your roof, the first place to look is not necessarily outside. If you are noticing cracks in your home’s interior walls or ceiling, it could be a sign that the integrity of your roof is compromised. A roof rests on wall plates positioned on the top of your home’s walls. When the roof structure moves, cracks to the interior walls can occur. In windy areas like South Florida, roof movement is particularly common. If your roof has been well constructed, movement can generally cause thin cracks along the ceiling line and cornices. A badly constructed roof can cause greater damage resulting from incorrectly positioned braced rafters and trusses, the walls then crack because of the pressure the load exerts.
2. Leaks
Any leaks around your house can be a sign that you are in need of roof repair and that your roof is at risk of collapsing. Leaks are an indication that water is making its way through your roof structure. Frequent leaks can cause structural damage and can also be a danger to your family’s health as it could cause mold. At the first sign of a leak, do not just clean it up. Try to identify its source to determine if the leak is occurring as a result of structural damage. It is best to contact a roofing expert as they have seen it all and can provide a more accurate assessment of the problem, saving you time and money.
3. Sagging
A roof’s collapse is not as sudden as you might think, there are clear signs that escalate until the final blow is dealt. A clear sign that your roof is at risk is sagging. If any area of your roof is sagging, you should be concerned. Sagging can result from water damage, design flaws and the use of poor building materials. Whatever the reason, it is important to assess the degree of sagging as soon as possible. Slight sagging can be repaired with angled braces or installing rafters, but if large areas of your roof is sagging, an expert may advise that you replace it.
Any damage to the structure of a building – from walls to windows – can be a sign that your roof is not functioning as it should be. All the parts of a building serve an important function. A roof relies on the rest of the building’s structure to support it, so when it is damaged the rest of the structure is affected too. This can put strain on the rest of the building and can result in damage that can escalate and even endanger your family. A roofing technician can accurately assess the condition of your home’s roof support and help you ensure that it meets safety standards.
At AABCO Roofing we have been servicing South Florida since 1988. Contact us today for all your roofing needs.
