What Are the Common Roof Support Issues

If you take a drive out in the country one afternoon, you might run into houses or other small buildings that look like they're about to fall apart and sink into the earth. There aren't sinkholes around the area, but there are construction problems for sure. 

These dilapidated buildings have a consistent issue of roof support. And as time passes, they tend to start caving in. Now, try to imagine yourself in such a house (or maybe a run-down commercial space). It's not a good feeling. Today, we will talk about the most known roof support issues and how you will identify them.

Many contractors are assigned the difficult task of identifying roof problems. Typically, they assess the condition of a roof based on its outward appearance. If there are no missing or loose roof tiles, or if the shingles look intact, and the gutter seems in place, you would quickly think your roof is safe and well-maintained. 

However, we're telling you not to get fooled because there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Most people quickly tend to forget that there are other essential factors you should consider when evaluating your roof's condition. In reality, the object of scrutiny should be the roof support system. So, here is a list of common areas to inspect roofing problems. There could be many different areas, but these are the most repeated scenarios.

1. Weathering

Due to direct exposure to weather inclemencies, roof material deteriorates over time. It is also better to choose organic materials since inorganic ones are less susceptible than the other. Moreover, exposure to industrial atmosphere or pollutants may even accelerate the decay of your roofing material.

2. Poor/Lack of Maintenance

Lack of maintenance is more common on flat or low-sloped roofs. Unfortunately, failure to correct an uneven roof will cause the accumulation of sediments and water, and these will eventually destroy the material.

The most effective way to ensure your roof remains intact and healthy is by doing regular maintenance. The most frequent issues encountered by a roof are dampness, rotting wood, poor ventilation, or leaks in the roofing system. A domino effect can happen if these problems go unnoticed over time, and before you know it, molds and pests may even appear. Taking preventive measures will save you a lot of money in the long run, so you have to ensure you undergo roof maintenance at regular intervals.

3. Design-related Problems

One of the most roof support problems that will cost you money is design-related problems. These are expensive to correct, and there are corrections made while the replacement of the roofing material is still undergoing. Some examples of design-related issues are the following:

• The weak structure that supports the roof might deflect excessively when under dynamic loads.
• Accumulation of water resulting from an improper roof slope, sagging roof, or inadequate drainage system.
• There is an incorrect system that allows expansion and contraction of changes in deck material or direction changes.
• Roof materials are incompatible.

4. Inferior Quality/Incorrect Materials

A large beam, which supports most of the weight, is installed across the roof's length during construction. The beam design is crucial to help withstand the pressure of materials initially used in constructing your roof. Calculations ensure the beams support the weight of the roof for many years to come. The overall weight of any changes you have made to your roof from the original may affect the beam's integrity as it won't have the additional support it needs. If the roof gets any more massive, it will require other poles. That's why you have to make sure to choose quality roof materials over cost.

5. Wind

Any wind blowing over the roof's edge can partially rip the roofing membrane or the installed system. To counteract the forces exerted on the roof's surface, the roofing and insulation must be fastened and secured to the main roof structure and the perimeter.

6. Flashing Material

The roof flashing function provides a watertight seal between roofing materials, roof sections, and other parts of the building. Hiring a professional to inspect the roof flashing is a must before any other area. The incorrect installation procedure or attachment and improper sealing of the flashing will allow the water to pass between the roofing systems and the roof structure.

• Base Flashing

Problems with base-flashing also present some dangerous and other critical areas you should inspect. Some of the occurring causes include the following:

• There is an insufficient number of base-flashing piles
• Improper height
• There are short overlaps.
• There is poor adhesion.
• There is an incorrect fastening to the surface.
• Coating is insufficient
• Loose insulation

• Penetration Flashings

Even penetration flashings, either small or large, can fail in many different ways. Some of these are due to improper design, broken seams in metal curbs resulting from building movement, deterioration of counter flashing, improper finishing of metal surfaces, and standing water behind penetration curbs.

• Drain Flashing

Drain flashing is not as easy as installing drain openings. Your building's drain system should consist of reasonable drain openings and an adequate pitch from high point to drainage components. It's also a good practice to include overflow scuppers through different areas to avoid water accumulation. All of these areas must be appropriately maintained.

• Metal Base Flashings

Metal base flashings will separate easily from bituminous materials. The expansion and contraction rate of these two materials will produce cracks and openings that will allow water to enter and damage the surface. Because of these reasons, metal base flashing should be replaced with a bituminous base flashing whenever possible.

• Poor/Ineffective Bracing

If your roof has rafters, you would also have a set of braces that works together with the beams to provide a reliable support system. Placing the braces is vital to provide strength against the interior walls of a house. Over time, the pair will grow weaker and eventually collapse-- the telling signs show by a sagging or crooked roof, and this is a severe problem that you should tend to immediately.

• Rooftop Equipment

Installing the A/C compressor, the satellite antenna, and other components directly to the surface is straightforward. However, proper attention is needed when installing this kind of equipment-- they are not for mounting or placing directly to the top of the roof membrane and instead are for supporting structure or raised curb-type supports. To ensure the roof is watertight, using a flat flange or curb flashing is viable, and doing roof recovery and replacement without removing or disturbing the equipment.

Are you already planning to have roof maintenance? Or are you still on the verge of starting new construction? Don't forget to install roof hatches on your roof to allow easy and quick access to your roof in case of maintenance. Visit our roof access doors product today.