How can I repair a sagging sunroom ceiling caused by roofers walking on it during reshingling?
Asked by مهراد صدر 
8 months ago
Last Updated: May 12, 2024
When we bought the house, we noticed a little dip in the sunroom ceiling. But after we replaced the roof, it seems like the dip got even worse. I think it might be because the roofers were walking on it while they were working on the house. I’ve tried to push it back up myself, using some makeshift supports, but no dice.
Any ideas on how to fix this? I’m open to suggestions for either making it structurally sound or just making it look better.
You could secure it with 1×4 and then use T and G Pine for the finishing.
I might choose this option. I hope the strapping fasteners hold the aluminum paneling well enough to support the weight of the T&G panels.
I believe you should investigate the situation further before attempting to fix it in place.
When they raised the ceiling, it seems like they took out the middle of the A in the framing. It gives a nice look, but it’s not providing the proper support for the roof joists. I think it would be a good idea to add that back in, in a way that is both decorative and functional.
There’s no record or sign of previous A-framing. The material is aluminum and the width is around 14 feet.
You wouldn’t know if there was a way without first removing the ceiling panels. Even if there’s a tongue and groove, there is a starting point for removal. Open it up and discover.
I think this is just above my skill level. Those ceiling panels seem to be integral, modular pieces. Because of the way they interlock, I can’t take them down without damaging the roof sheathing and shingles. There’s no way to bring it down or open it. Only up and out.
My assumption is that the original owner wanted a seamless shingle appearance, so they extended the sheathing panels and shingles onto this aluminum covered porch extension. Now I have to figure out the rest. 😅
Open it up and take a look. No one here has x-ray vision lol
Can’t do that. The ceiling panels are connected with a tongue and groove system and run along the exterior wall.
Is that drywall? Try removing the light cover, maybe you’ll be able to see what’s happening inside.
Aluminum. Not lightweight. Optional blackout panel available for skylight.
Is that made of metal?
Do you have any aluminum?
Those are roof/ceiling panel units that should not be opened or bear heavy weight. It might be best to consult with a sunroom company for advice, although they can be expensive.
It sounds like you don’t have a sunroom, but more of an enclosed porch or patio… unless there’s glass above those ceiling panels. Typically, shingles shouldn’t be on a glass roof, so I assume it’s a timber roof framing with timber decking, vapor barrier, shingles, etc. Feel free to correct me if I’m mistaken.
Regarding your issue, you’ll need to remove those panels to see what’s happening. My hunch is that the panels are hanging because their mounting hardware failed. Even without a glass roof, these rooms experience significant temperature changes throughout the day (I know, I have one lol). This constant expansion and contraction can easily loosen hardware. If the panel hardware failed or fell out, you just need to reattach the panels. Still, it’s a good idea to check above the panels while you’re at it. If your roof structure was sagging, you’d likely see external evidence of that. Plus, you’d probably notice a roof leak before the structural issue affected the interior panels. Have you noticed any signs of water leaking from the roof?
There is a visible low spot from the outside, but the pitch prevents water pooling and leaks. The interior aluminum ceiling panels are placed over the exterior wall panels, making them hard to remove. The rectangular panel in the picture seems to be a skylight option. I tried removing all fasteners to access it, but it wouldn’t open. It’s probably a one-time knockout panel, so I didn’t want to risk it.
If you notice a sag from the outside, it might not be a good sign. The most likely cause for a sag on both the inside and outside is rafter failure. To inspect, you’ll need to remove those panels. There should be a way to do it without taking down parts of the walls. Skylights are usually within a boxed-out section of the roof framing, so even if you get the light fixture out, you’ll only see wood. You won’t be able to see the roof framing space.
Yeah, I can clearly see that there are no rafters on this structure. It’s an aluminum modular covered porch. If the ceiling is similar to the walls, my assumption is that they consist of aluminum panels enclosing 3 inch closed cell styrofoam.
Another sign that supports this theory is the molded aluminum apex. It’s seamless.
Just so you know, sunrooms don’t always have glass in the roof. The good ones actually don’t. Having glass in the roof of a sunroom can cause more issues than not. I rarely ever suggest using glass in a sunroom roof design … in fact, it’s best to avoid it.
The picture with the tape is just the fascia. It could still be timber covered in aluminum flashing, a common practice in building homes. I’m not sure what the second picture is showing.
You can have timber roof framing with aluminum components. In my sunroom, there’s a glulam beam covered in aluminum flashing along with aluminum rafters and glass panels for the roof.
What’s unusual about your roof is the shingles. You usually don’t put shingles over glass. Could it be aluminum rafters with plywood decking? Maybe, but it’s not typical. Aluminum is often used for aesthetics or to keep a low profile, neither of which seems to apply in your case. The fascia depth suggests timber construction.
The material of the roof framing doesn’t really matter. The main issue is the damage that needs fixing, regardless of the material. To properly assess the damage, you’ll need to remove the interior panels, at which point you’ll find out what materials are used in the roof system.
I was just nitpicking. Glass paneled ceiling rooms are usually called “sunrooms” in my experience. I’m not sure of the official definition, if there even is one.
I completely agree with you that a traditional roof is better in terms of efficiency and maintenance costs. Our sunroom is 30 years old and definitely needs some work. It can also get very hot in there, but luckily we have a 3T hvac unit just for that room. Dealing with the sun is an ongoing struggle. Wish we didn’t have the sunroom, but it came with the house and the cat loves it 🤷
My thoughts exactly. I would love to take it down gently and construct a proper wooden extension, but my “cat” (who is actually my wife) adores the room for its natural lighting and greenhouse features.
I totally get it, my wife and I hardly spend time in there except to take care of the cat or grab something from the second fridge we have in there. Sometimes my wife does her workouts in there too. But overall, it feels like wasted space. It’s like a relic from the 90s.
Haha, that’s exactly why I never suggested glass on the roof! Needing 3T of cooling sounds insane! I built my sunroom in a northern climate without any cooling. Even in the sunny winter, it can get over 90 degrees on a very cold day. And in the summer, it never gets much hotter than the outdoor temperature.
That sounds like a familiar response from all HVAC techs haha. But honestly, our sunroom is only 400-500sf and it gets a ton of sun being on that side of the house. We’re not in Florida, but Philly suburbs can get pretty warm too. The other day it hit 90s in there while it was only 40s outside. Crazy! Our energy bills surprisingly aren’t too bad, considering. We have 2 other HVAC units for the 3900sf house, with vaulted ceilings in the main entrance and family room. With my wife working from home full time, the HVAC is always running. Our highest bill in summer or winter has been $550, which isn’t great, but it could be worse.
Wow, the lifestyle in Yinz and Philly must be great. A 3900SF home here in DC would definitely leave me struggling financially forever.
Haha , just give it a rest. Let the experts handle it.
Hey , care to clarify what I said that was incorrect? Or do you simply enjoy stirring up trouble with no evidence?
Hey, just to clarify, you’re talking about a roof and product you might not be familiar with. And making statements like sunrooms only have glass roofs, which is not accurate. Most sunrooms actually have solid roofs, with only one manufacturer known for glass roofs – four seasons sunrooms. Their glass roofs are top-notch.
This person’s roof doesn’t have rafters. It’s a 3 or 6” thick aluminum skin panel with high density closed cell foam inside.
Hey, maybe take a look before you speak
Hey, I saw your comment
Champ
Nope, , you didn’t do that ‘champ’.
Hey , got it buddy.
So, if I understand correctly, the sheathing and shingles were recently replaced? If that’s the case, the whole panel may have shifted out. Those panels usually have a tongue and groove locking system.
The sheathing and shingles were replaced when the entire house was reshingled. I’ve examined the seam closely and there don’t seem to be any locking mechanisms or fasteners. Just an overlay system. The bend in the aluminum might have caused the separation, but I won’t know for sure until I take it apart. I’m hesitant to do that since the shingle job is still very new. It’s always disappointing to have to undo a project you recently completed.
Hey , there are no fasteners involved, just a snap-together mechanism. If the panel is bowed, it might come loose. You could try placing a sheathing piece underneath and gently lifting it, sometimes that helps panels snap back in place. My concern is that the shingle roof might make it difficult to fix. A complete do-over might be the only solution. I have experience with these systems for over 20 years. If lifting it hides the bow and you can live with it, you could attach a trim to cover it. Best of luck with resolving this. If I had installed your new roof, I’d be there to assist you.
Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. Dealing with the roofing company was frustrating, they basically washed their hands of the situation. I don’t really have the time to pursue this in small claims court. On the bright side, it means I have a reason to buy more tools!
You’re actually lucky that they even attempted to touch it. Most skilled roofers refuse to work on these roofs for this very reason.
One day in this group and already enjoying it. Thanks for all the helpful feedback, everyone! Groups like this balance out some of the other overly sarcastic groups I’m a part of! Not all of us have 35+ years of experience as a general contractor. 😅
Hey Pat, I’ve been working in the sunroom industry for 20 years. A couple of issues here.
This roof panel system is most likely a 3” or 6” 3-layer panel. It consists of aluminum/foam/aluminum.
They’re not meant to be shingled. These panels are not built to support the plywood load or to have nails shot into them because there is no seal around a nail into aluminum.
The panel probably popped due to the weight. You can’t just reinsert it at this point.
Right now, you have two options to correct the issue. One is a temporary fix and the other one is more complex. The temporary fix involves jacking it up and using sturdy metal brackets to connect the panels with self-tapping screws. However, this solution won’t last long and it will not look good.
To fix it properly, the panel needs to be removed and replaced. Four Seasons sunrooms have a hybrid roof panel with a plywood layer laminated to the foam that allows for shingles. But if it’s not a Four Seasons room, they may not help. If you want to repair it, you’ll have to determine the manufacturer and check if they can order and replace the damaged panel.
It’s most likely from one of the following: Four Seasons, Patio Enclosures, Champion, or Teamo.
Ignore about 90% of what said, as it might lead you down a confusing path. While it’s great that everyone is trying to assist, they may not have all the necessary information and could be providing incorrect details.