How to Spot Roof Sag in Carondelet’s Older Homes Before It’s Too Late

If you live in Carondelet (63111) and own an older home, your roof might be hiding a serious structural issue: roof sag. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem—it’s often a sign of deeper damage to your roof deck or underlying support system. Left unaddressed, sagging can lead to roof collapse, water intrusion, and thousands of dollars in repairs.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how Carondelet homeowners can spot early signs of roof sag, why older homes in this area are more vulnerable, and when to call in professional help.

🏚️ Why Carondelet Homes Are at Risk for Roof Sag

Carondelet is one of South St. Louis’s oldest neighborhoods, with many homes built before 1950. These homes often include:

• Original wood framing that has aged or shifted
• Multiple layers of old roofing materials
• Outdated roof deck construction, such as spaced plank decking
• Exposure to decades of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles

🔍 How to Spot Roof Sag (Outside & Inside)

✅ Exterior Signs of Roof Sag

• A dip in the ridgeline (the peak of the roof should be straight)
• Wavy or uneven shingle lines
• Sunken areas between rafters or trusses
• Pooling water on a flat or low-slope roof
• Visible sagging at eaves or valleys

✅ Interior Signs in the Attic

• Bent or cracked rafters
• Water staining or soft spots on the roof deck
• Gaps between rafters and decking
• Sunlight peeking through nail holes or gaps
• Musty smells, mold, or damp insulation

🧱 What Causes Roof Sag in Carondelet?

1. Water Damage

St. Louis weather brings humid summers and ice-heavy winters, which can allow moisture to seep into roof materials and weaken structural components.

2. Multiple Roofing Layers

Many older Carondelet homes have two or more shingle layers, putting excess weight on aging rafters—especially during snow accumulation.

3. Improper Repairs

DIY patches or low-quality contractor work often leave structural problems untouched.

4. Insect or Rodent Damage

Termites or rodents can chew through framing and insulation, weakening roof support from within.

🛠️ What Happens if You Ignore Roof Sag?

• Leaks and interior water damage
• Mold and air quality issues
• Soffit and fascia collapse
• Full roof deck failure during storms
• Insurance claim denial due to neglect

👷‍♂️ What to Do if You See Signs of Sag

Step 1: Don’t Climb the Roof

Walking on a sagging roof is dangerous. Inspect from the ground or attic only.

Step 2: Document What You See

Take photos of visible dips, stains, or other warning signs for insurance or assessment.

Step 3: Call a Professional Roofing Contractor

Hire a licensed, experienced roofer like Family First Exteriors to perform a full assessment, including:

• Roof deck condition
• Rafter alignment
• Moisture detection
• Ventilation and airflow
• Structural load analysis

🏠 Why Carondelet Homeowners Trust Family First Exteriors

• Historic framing and decking expertise
• Certified, insured, and trusted in South St. Louis
• Experience with City of St. Louis residential codes
• Long-term replacement, repair, and maintenance plans

📅 When to Schedule an Inspection

• At least once per year
• After a hailstorm or snowfall
• If you notice ceiling dips or attic moisture

Pro tip: Spring and fall are ideal times for pre-season checks.

📍 Final Word: Spot It Early, Save Big

Roof sag in Carondelet homes doesn’t have to lead to catastrophe—but only if you act early.