5 Roof and Attic Structural Issues We Fix Every Week at Bishop Construction

A homeowner calls us after installing brand new shingles. The roof still sags, the building inspector fails the job, and the warranty means nothing because the structure beneath is compromised. It happens more than you might think, and it is exactly why roofing must be treated as a structural system, not just a surface.

At Bishop Construction, we look beyond shingles. We diagnose and repair the structural issues that cause sagging roof lines, leaks, and failed inspections. Here are the five most common problems we see, how they happen, and how we fix them the right way.

1. Sagging Roof Lines

Older homes often have undersized or widely spaced rafters. Over time, gravity and moisture take their toll, and you see a visible sag. In truss roofs, a sag usually points to water damage or improper installation. Either way, it is not something new shingles will fix.

How we address it:

• Expose the wood by peeling back the roofing so we can see what is rotten and what is sound.
• Replace damaged roof sheathing and sister or double up rafters where needed.
• When the roofing surface is in good shape, we sometimes reinforce from inside the attic, including flying new rafters in through the ridge vent to avoid unnecessary tear off.

Pro tip: If your roof sags, get the structure evaluated before you spend money on shingles.

2. Rafter and Truss Damage From Moisture

Most structural damage starts with water. Valleys are a common source of roof leaks, as are connections where trusses meet roof sheathing. Ten years of small leaks can rot members and fasteners, and eventually things let go.

What we look for and fix:

• Dark staining, softened wood, or separation at joints.
• Compromised gussets or plates on trusses.
• We stop the leak path first, then replace or sister damaged members and restore correct load paths.

3. Roof Decking Rot or Delamination

Decking choice and installation matter. Plywood can delaminate when moisture breaks down the glue bonds. Modern OSB performs very well when installed correctly and protected from chronic leaks. We also pay attention to details like H-clips between panels when rafters are spaced wider, which helps support the edges and prevent waves in the roof line.

Our best practices:

• Use the right sheathing for the application and ensure proper ventilation.
• Replace any softened or delaminated panels.
• Add H-clips and correct fastener spacing to stiffen the deck.

4. Leaking Chimney Chase and Flashing

Chimneys give water two paths in. One is the exterior flashing where the roof meets the chimney. The other is deterioration inside the chase or masonry. A well executed flashing job can last decades. A poor one can fail in weeks.

Warning signs and fixes:

• Moisture stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney, musty smells, or visible gaps in step and counter flashing.
• We reflash correctly, repair or rebuild chase components, and address any interior deterioration to stop leaks for good.

5. Joist and Rafter Reinforcement Without Full Tear Off

Not every structural fix requires tearing off a good roof. When there is no active leak but the roofline waves, we often strengthen from inside.

Smart reinforcement options:

• Install new rafters through the ridge vent and double them up to remove sag.
• Add bracing down to solid ceiling members to simulate truss behavior in older rafter-framed roofs.
• When rot is present from above, we strip the roof and repair from the exterior for better access.

How We Diagnose It Right

You cannot fix what you cannot see. Our process is to open what needs to be opened, from the top or from the attic, until we see the whole picture. Then we choose the least invasive, code compliant path. We also understand how building inspectors think, so the repair passes cleanly the first time.

Signs You Should Call Us

• A wavy or sagging roofline
• Soft or spongy spots on the roof deck
• Ceiling stains near valleys or chimneys
• Daylight visible in the attic, or musty odors
• New shingles that did not solve an existing sag
• Cracked drywall or nail pops below attic areas

Why Homeowners Trust Bishop Construction

I am Dan Bishop, and our team brings decades of hands-on experience with rafters, trusses, roof decking, and chimney flashing. There is no cookie cutter fix. We choose the right method for your structure, protect what is still sound, and restore the parts that are not.

Get Expert Help Today

If you suspect a structural roof issue, do not just reshingle it. Let us take a proper look. Contact Bishop Construction to schedule a roof and attic structural assessment. We will diagnose the real problem, explain your options, and deliver a repair that stands up to weather and inspection alike.