Category Archives: REPAIR

In the lush, tree-lined neighborhoods of the Greater Puget Sound, homeowners enjoy natural beauty, crisp air, and vibrant communities. But with the region’s wet climate, aging homes, and rising real estate demand, protecting the structural integrity of your home has never been more important—especially when it comes to your roof trusses.

Trusses form the backbone of your roof’s support system. When they’re compromised—by weather, pests, moisture, or age—the stability and safety of your entire home can be at risk. In this article, we’ll break down why truss repair matters in the Pacific Northwest, what signs to watch for, and how maintaining this critical structural element helps preserve your home’s value in a hot market.

Weather-Related Truss Damage in the PNW

Western Washington is known for its rainfall, windstorms, and dense evergreen trees. These regional characteristics can pose unique threats to your home’s trusses.

Fallen trees or heavy limbs during storms can crack or snap trusses, creating sudden and severe structural risks. Even without a dramatic break, consistent exposure to moisture can weaken truss connections, warp wood, and lead to long-term damage that’s often hidden from view until it’s too late.

In newer homes, improperly designed or undersized trusses can begin to show signs of stress under these environmental pressures. In older homes, decades of exposure may result in gradual sagging or bowing that compromises both aesthetics and structural safety.

Sagging Floors & Aging Homes: Signs of Structural Stress

Many homes across the Puget Sound—particularly in areas like Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle—are 50, 75, or even 100+ years old. While these homes offer charm and character, they also often come with sagging floors, bowed ceilings, and outdated structural frameworks.

These are not just cosmetic issues. Sagging floors and uneven ceilings can be a sign that roof trusses, floor joists, or support beams have weakened or shifted over time. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage later.

Our team at Chumley Structural & Foundation Repair specializes in inspecting and reinforcing trusses and framing systems in both historic and modern homes—whether it’s due to long-term settling, storm damage, or simply the passage of time.

Protecting Home Value in a Competitive Market

With real estate demand in the Greater Puget Sound continuing to rise, your home is one of your biggest investments. Whether you’re planning to sell in the near future or want to maximize long-term equity, maintaining your home’s structural health is critical.

Buyers—and home inspectors—are quick to notice signs of structural problems. Sagging rooflines, uneven floors, or cracks around door frames can raise red flags and reduce your home’s marketability or appraisal value.

Investing in proper truss repair not only keeps your home safe—it also helps retain and even boost its value in a competitive market where well-maintained properties stand out.

When to Call for a Truss Inspection

If you’ve noticed:

• Sagging ceilings or rooflines
• Cracks forming around doors or windows
• A history of tree or storm damage
• An older roof structure with visible wear
• Bouncy or uneven floors upstairs

…it’s time to schedule a professional structural inspection. Catching issues early allows for targeted reinforcement or repair, often preventing the need for more invasive and costly work down the line.

Trusted Truss Repair in Western Washington

At Chumley Structural & Foundation Repair, we’re proud to be a trusted name in attic and truss repair throughout Western Washington. Our team is experienced in working with homes of all ages and sizes, from craftsman bungalows to newly built properties. Whether you need minor reinforcement or a full structural repair plan, we bring the expertise and integrity to do the job right.

Protect your home. Preserve its value. And keep your family safe—rain or shine.

📞 Contact us today for a free inspection** or to learn more about our truss repair services.

**Free evaluation available with a signed contract with Chumley Structural & Foundation Repair. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information pertaining to Trusses in Washington State, see the follow links:

🏡 Home & Structural Safety Resources

1. Washington State Building Code Council
   https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/
   For building code information and regulations that apply to roof trusses, structural repairs, and home renovations in WA state.
2. FEMA – Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting
   https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science
   For understanding how to make structural improvements and repairs that improve home safety during storms and earthquakes.
3. American Wood Council – Truss & Framing Standards
   https://www.awc.org
   For technical standards and educational material on structural wood systems, including trusses, rafters, and beams.
4. National Roofing Contractors Association – Roof Structure Info
   https://www.nrca.net
   Provides homeowner guidance on roofing systems and structural components such as trusses and sheathing.

🌲 PNW-Specific Weather & Risk Information

1. NOAA Weather Alerts – Pacific Northwest
   https://www.weather.gov/sew/
   Keep customers informed about windstorms, rain, and snow loads that can impact roof structures.
2. King County Tree Risk & Storm Prep Guide
   https://kingcounty.gov
   Helps homeowners understand how nearby trees can pose structural risks to their roofs and trusses.

🧰 Permitting & Local Building Resources

1. Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
   https://www.seattle.gov/sdci
   For permit requirements and inspections related to structural and truss repair in Seattle homes.
2. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Hiring a Contractor
   https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/hire-a-contractor
   Helps customers verify licenses and make informed decisions when choosing structural repair professionals.

A home is only as strong as its foundation. Your foundation is the structure that acts as the skeleton for your home, so when it becomes damaged, a host of problems can happen. However, you can avoid long-term damage with professional foundation repair services. Here are some reasons why you should opt for foundation repair immediately.

Safety

Can you imagine living in a home where your wall or ceiling could cave in at any moment? Well, that’s the situation when you have a poor foundation. If it becomes weakened by water or an insect infestation, it won’t be strong enough to support the rest of your home. With foundation repair services, rest assured that your structure is strong enough to support the walls, floors, and ceilings as well as prevent accidents.

Value

For most Americans, a home is the most expensive investment they’ll make. If you’ve spent six figures paying off a mortgage or buying a home in cash, do you really want to see that going to waste? It’s vital to protect such an investment to age in place and/or to pass it on to potential heirs. In order to sell your home for a higher price than you initially paid, you need foundation repairs to boost your house’s value.

Aesthetics

When your home has damage from within, expect the problem to reveal itself on the surface eventually. For example, your walls and floors may begin to warp and buckle. When the structure underneath your roof begins to deteriorate, it may begin to sag in the middle and have a high probability of collapsing. Timely foundation repair services can make the necessary replacements to the structure so that the support and overall aesthetics are improved. In fact, a bowed wall of less than two inches can be repaired with carbon fiber strips applied to the wall using industrial-strength epoxy, according to HomeGuide.

Your home is your castle, so you should keep it in the best state possible. Foundation problems aren’t something to ignore, as they can result in expensive repairs, safety problems, or even the loss of your home. If you suspect such issues, you want the right professionals for the job. Contact our team here at Chumley Structural & Foundation Repair today!