Roof and Rafter Maintenance: Is It Time to Update Your Roof System?
Just like your home’s roof, you must pay attention to the condition of your rafters and trusses that support the other structures on your property. Roof trusses provide the framework between load-bearing walls—that means they’re quite important. You’ll want to continually inspect the integrity of these structural components, and address any issues at the first sign of damage.
Moisture is the biggest culprit of roof damage. Over time, water damage can lead to weakened trusses. Insect infestation also creates deficiencies in strength. Finally, a heavy load on your roof also can cause structural issues. Here are a few things to look for when inspecting your trusses or rafters:
- Bowing
- Cracks
- Splits
- Holes (from insects)
- Fungus
- Mildew
- Rot
Repairing is the first option to restore strength, but be sure to enlist the “support” of a professional or consult a good DIY guide before you begin; since trusses hold the weight of your structure, you don’t want to make a cutting mistake that could bring the roof down.
If your issues are beyond simple repair it may be time to update your roofing system. Or if you’re planning to add an addition to your structure or put in features (such as skylights or ventilation), you might find you’ll need an update to support your desired changes an upgrades.
