How can I keep my roof from caving in before I can repair it?

I have a roof that is falling in in two separate areas. I can't afford the cost of a new roof at this time. What can/should I do to keep it from caving in over the winter?

  4 answers
  • Janice Janice on Aug 31, 2018

    Hi Darlene,It sounds as if your roof is so far gone that it is actually dangerous. Think of the expense you will bear, IF the roof does cave in and you can't live in your home. Best to repair now rather than have to deal with a disaster in the middle of the winter. Do you have home owner's insurance? Since you are aware of the state of your roof, I doubt that insurance will cover the damage, if it were to cave in and you file a claim. Sorry to bearer of bad news! Please stay safe!

    • Darlene V. Samuel Darlene V. Samuel on Aug 31, 2018

      Thanks Janice. Thankfully it's not the roof for our home. I have insurance but they would no longer insure the polebarn once the roof was in need of replacement.

  • Janice Janice on Aug 31, 2018

    Thanks, Darlene! I was a bit concerned for your physical welfare :)

    Perhaps you can rig some bracing wood pieces and layer a water-proof tarp over the major areas of concern to get through the next winter. Amazing how Mother Nature takes its toll on everything over the years...including us. :)

    • Darlene V. Samuel Darlene V. Samuel on Sep 05, 2018

      Thanks for the concern. I am glad I could ease your mind. As far as the supports, would it be better to put on the outside or top of the area that is damaged and then lay the tarp over it so that the weight of the rain or snow does not cause sagging and take down the damaged portion?

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Sep 01, 2018

    I'm with Janice - add some support from below, and tarp the top. Beware, any sagging area will continue to sag if the tarp collects rain or snow into the low spots.


  • Gk Gk on Sep 01, 2018

    We had a pole barn where the roof support beams actually cracked and broke under the weight of snow. We had to add new wood along the cracks and breaks to support the roof.

    • Darlene V. Samuel Darlene V. Samuel on Sep 05, 2018

      Hello Gk, I can imagine that was a mess. I don't quite understand why only a portion of it is coming down, but I am looking to brace it per the above suggestions. Thanks.