What Happens After a Roof Collapse?

When it comes to the state of your residential roofing during the buildup of snow in a Minnesota winter, there may be a concern about roof collapse. We want you to be as prepared as possible, so in this article, we have gathered information with a few indicators that can let you know if the roof is in danger of collapsing – and what to do if it has happened.

Signs of Roof Collapse

If your roof is going to collapse, there may be some things to look for, including:

Sagging

The sagging roof is the number one sign that it will collapse. This can be caused by weight or excessive loads like ice or snow buildup, or the foundation has weakened over the years. If the roof has not collapsed, it is possible to replace the frames, but if it's past its expiration date, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Strange Sounds

With a new roof, winds will not affect the system. However, as it ages, you may start noticing strange sounds, especially during storms, which can signal that the roof is beginning to weaken. Even if you think you might be overreacting, you should still call your local roofing contractor to, at the least, provide you with more peace of mind.

Cracks in Walls or Ceilings

There are some scenarios where the roof is too heavy for the ceiling, which could cause it to crack. Foundational problems could also cause structural integrity issues and directly affect the roofing system; in either case, if you're finding cracks running from the ceiling, it's recommended to call for an inspection immediately.

Missing Roofing Material

If you're missing any of your roofing material, from shingles to metal panels, this leaves concern for leaks which will directly affect the roofing system. Strong winds or falling tree branches can cause missing roofing materials, so if you've recently had a storm, it is recommended to check your roofing material to ensure it's still intact.

Windows and Doors are Hard to Close

Most individuals associate hard-to-close doors and windows with water damage or aging. However, roof failure can also contribute to this, so if the doors and windows in your home are not functioning correctly, contact a professional for an inspection.

Regular Causes of Roof Collapse

Your attic might have roof joists that are cracked, and in many situations, the individuals who went through the experience reported cracking sounds before the collapse. If you have any questions about the safety of your roof, it is recommended to call a roofing contractor right away because it can be a dangerous situation if it does.

Some common factors that can contribute:

• Having a poorly designed roof
• Bad construction
• Roofs that didn't have any code requirements
• No regular maintenance
• Roofs that or not insulated in a way that can melt a snow load on top of them

Steps to Take If the Roof Collapses

In some situations, once a roof collapses, the municipality will likely say the property is unsafe to live in, but this will depend on the city's regulations. In most cases, the owners will be allowed to fix the roof to make it safe and habitable, but it will need to be done within a certain amount of time.

If any building codes have been violated, there will also be rights violations, and you may have to vacate the property until the repair is completed.

Once you have noticed the roof has collapsed, you will need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start your claim. The damage will be assessed, and once the cost of fixing it is determined, you or the company you are working with will receive payment from the insurance company to have the roof repaired.

If the damage has occurred due to your negligence in most cases, you will have to pay for the roof replacement yourself.

Timberline Roofing & Contracting: Exceptional Services You Can Depend On

Your roof is an essential part of the structural integrity of your home, so if you believe it is compromised in any way, you want to get experts like Timberline Roofing and Contracting on the job. We have been in business since 1998 and offer warranties as well as flexible financing in options ranging from commercial roofing to gutter services in Minnesota.

Our technicians are GAF Master Elite certified, so message us online or call us at 507-396-4412 today.