Yes, your roof can collapse, and yes, it is a monumental problem when it occurs. Collapsed roofs are extremely expensive to repair, can cause some other significant damage to your home and your possessions and will likely result in you needing to vacate the premises for some time.
While the problem is rare, it’s something that can happen, so it’s important to know the pending signs of an incoming roof collapse. Here’s how to know if your Central Florida roof is going to collapse:
- Sagging: If you can see one section of the roof visibly sagging, you should take immediate action to fortify and repair it. Roof collapses are almost always the result of poor care of the roof over a long period of time, rather than being something that happens all at once. If you can tell there are some sections of the roof that are sagging under strain, you should have a professional examine the roof and determine the best method for repair.
- Masonry cracks: If you see cracks in your building’s masonry (if applicable), this could be a sign that the roof is under a lot of strain and could be preparing to collapse. You should have the building inspected immediately.
- Cracks in the ceiling or interior walls: Structural problems often are first noticed in the form of cracks on interior surfaces like walls and ceilings. Usually the problem either has to do with the foundation or the roof, and in either circumstance you’re going to want to have a professional come out as soon as possible to investigate the root cause, especially if you haven’t noticed the cracks before.
- Leaks: Leaks coming from the ceiling are an obvious sign that there’s something wrong with your roof. Water is getting under the shingles and into the main structure of the roof, and over time, this could weaken the roof’s structural elements, making sagging and eventual collapse more likely. If you see a leak, you shouldn’t just place a bucket underneath it and call it a day—it’s crucial that you find where the leak is coming from and if there’s been any structural damage that’s occurred as a result. Then, have a professional come out and make the necessary repairs.
- Weather damage: Keep an eye on your roof after you’ve had significant storms—especially here in Florida, where hurricanes can bring massive winds that deal major damage to roofs and other structural elements of homes and businesses. Wind and water damage are common causes of roof collapses, so if your home has sustained any damage at all after a storm, you should have a professional come out as soon as possible to determine whether it’s superficial or something more serious.
- Odd door or window alignment: If you have windows or doors that are hard to open or shut, this could be a sign of structural shifting in the roof or foundation.
If you find yourself frequently wondering, “Can my roof collapse?” it’s time to get in touch with the pros for some peace of mind or helpful next steps. For more information about preventing a roof collapse and keeping up with roofing maintenance in Central Florida, contact the team at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair today.