From: "MD" 
Newsgroups: misc.invest.real-estate
Subject: Re: Help - my rental has a dip in the roof (new pictures)
Date: 3 Dec 2006 04:29:41 -0800
   posting-account=tmi4dw0AAACpK-9hL2NXR_1h9V5TyIGm


wangchieh@wongfaye.com wrote:
> Hi fellow real estate investors,
>
> I have a 12 year old house, with the original roof.  On one side of my
> roof, there is a sunken rafter which is causing a dip in the roof.
>
>
> Here are 6 pictures:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210781&size=l
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210783&size=l
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210786&size=l
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210790&size=l
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210794&size=l
> http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=312210799&size=l
>
>
>
> I was told that it would not move or sink anymore, but I would love to
> get your opinion on this matter.
>
>
> Questions:
>
>
> 1.  What caused this to happen?
>
>
> 2.  How severe is it?
>
>
> 3.  Is it likely to get worse?
>
>
> 4.  How common is this problem in other houses?
>
>
> 5.  Any other comments or advice?
>
>
> Thx, I appreciate any advice!

Not a big cause for alarm.  You need to go int he attic and investigate
that area.  Builders and roofers are using very thin decking nowadays.
In my area, they're using OSB or oriented strand board.  When the
sheets come together that are not over a rafter, they install a clip.
Merely walking on the roof can cause it to sag.  If this is all it is,
jack the roof back up with a small hydraulic car jack and run a 2 x 4
support between and perpendicular to the rafters and underneath the
decking.

You could also have a problem with a weak rafter as mentioned.  If so,
you may need to jack the roof back up and support the weak rafter with
a 2 x 4 running from the overhead joist to the rafter.

If your skills in this type of area are limited, you shouldn't pay over
$250 to have either problem fixed.

If the rafter is rotten, you'll need to go in another direction.