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Sagging floor, beam, joist or roof line.

A structural engineer should judge the member and direct any shoring or repair.

Customers put it like this

  • the floor sags in the middle
  • beam is cracked
  • the ridge has a sway in it
  • walls are pushing out at the top
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Stop first if

  • Water is ponding on a visibly deflecting roof.Stay off the roof. Keep people out from under it. Call emergency services.
  • A beam or joist is cracking, or the sag is visibly getting worse.Keep people out from under it. Call a structural engineer now.
  • Someone wants to jack, shore or remove ceiling joists or ties.Hold that work until an engineer directs it.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Where is the sag, and how long has it been there?
  2. Was weight added, like storage, equipment, a hot tub or heavier roofing?
  3. Were ceiling joists or ties removed?
  4. Is a bathroom, stair or chase near the sag?
  5. Is the sag growing?
02

Bring

5
  • String line or laser
  • Tape measure
  • Pick or probe
  • Flashlight
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

6
  1. Collect age and any added load or removed framing.
  2. Measure sag against span, date it, and repeat over months.
  3. Check the ends and bearings before the middle of the span.
  4. Locate notches, checks, splits and knots near supports.
  5. Under sloped roofs, check wall plumb, ridge line and rafter heel nailing.
  6. On low-slope roofs, check drains and measure deflection from below.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Dated sag readings with span
  • Load history
  • Photos of notches and cracks
  • Wall plumb and ridge notes

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.