Expert: Dave Johnson - 5/28/2007

Question
I'm getting a contractor to build my garage and I need advise on how to repair the sagging roof . The garge is 30ft deep and 34 ft wide he has 2x8 rafters and 2x10 ridge beam in a stick roof design that has collar ties 3ft below ridge beam the ridge is 9 feet above walls. The roof is sagging in the middle and the walls are bowed out. What is the best way to fix this?

Answer
Hi David,
The simplest way is to use some "come-alongs" hooked to the sidewalls that are bowed out, and while taking tension on them, put pressure up on the ridge in a couple of places. you'll probably need to use 3 come alongs.
when the ridge and walls are straight, add ceiling joists
at least at every other pair of rafters. AND they should be LOWER than they are now.
Don't release the jacks or comealongs til the joists are added and are secured.

Best of luck, Dave