There’s nothing quite like a snow-covered home. While it can spell out cozy, it can also mean trouble for your roof, especially if you don’t know how to avoid common winter roof problems. Luckily, though these are common issues homeowners face during the winter months, they can all be resolved in one way or another. l and enjoy the comfort the season can offer you.
#1. Ice Dams
Unfortunately, one of the most stereotypically cozy winter aesthetics of a house covered in icicles is also one of the most damaging to your home and your roof. When the edges of your roof are covered in icicles, these are called ice dams and are one of the most common winter roof problems, especially because many people don’t even know that they are a problem until they start dealing with the effects of the ice dams.
Ice dams occur when the snow on your roof melts and then refreezes before it can run off. This causes ice buildup on your roof, which can pull your gutters away from the roof, loosen shingles, and get into the structure of your home, causing mold and rot and expensive repairs. Ice dams can be prevented with proper insulation and ventilation and through regular maintenance of your gutters and downspouts.
#2. Snow Load
Another aesthetically pleasing common winter roof problem is snow buildup on your roof. While it looks nice, snow can be very heavy, and result in roofing issues, like collapse from the weight in extreme cases. In less extreme cases, snow load can still cause significant damage to your roofing system. If you have a flat roof, then snow can melt and pool on your roof, which can penetrate the system and result in interior as well as exterior damages.
#3. Leaking
Roof leaks can happen any time of year, but especially during the winter months. Flashing leaks are incredibly common winter roof problems due to the fact that if snow gets trapped on your roof, it can then melt and infiltrate it and leak into your home. Flashing are the metal pieces which are used to direct water away from where your roofing elements intersect, but water from snowmelt can get into the cracks of caulking flashing is sealed with and create even bigger cracks to seep through.
#4. Strong Winds
It’s not just snow that can be a problem for your roof in the winter. Many snow storms also come hand-in-hand with heavy winds and other such severe weather conditions. This can peel back and pull up the shingles on your roof, they can damage your flashing which increases your likelihood of getting roof leaks, and they can send moistures into the vents of your roof.
Aside from regular roof maintenance and ensuring you have the best quality roof, there’s not too much you can do to protect your roof from these common winter roof problems caused by inclement weather, other than anticipate it and call for repairs when you need them.
#5. Tree Limbs
You want to ensure that you trim your trees during the warmer months to stave off common winter roof problems caused by fallen tree branches or the scraping of branches against your roof. A fallen tree limb can seriously damage and even pierce through your roofing system, and even branches allowed too close to your roof can scrape off shingles, leaving your roofing system exposed to the elements.
#6. Condensation
Condensation typically isn’t much of a problem, but it can be in the winter months, due to how it can occur in excess. Excessive condensation can result in moisture buildup in your shingles, wearing them down, and can cause mold and mildew, which don’t just look and smell bad, but also carry with them a whole host of potential health problems. Ensuring that your attic is properly insulated can stave off these common winter roof problems from condensation.
Do You Need Help With Common Winter Roof Problems?
Whether you need help with common winter roof problems or less common, Lifetime Roofing is here for you. We offer exceptional roofing solutions including leak repair and replacements. If you are having issues with your roof, regardless of the season, don’t hesitate to contact us for one of our professionals to come out and evaluate your roof. We can help you with all your roofing needs!
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