Construction & Contractors Blog
Winter is quickly approaching, and if you are not prepared, your roof can suffer. It can help to ensure that you are familiar with some of the more common types of issues that your roof may encounter during the winter months of the year. Keep reading to learn about four roofing issues commonly experienced during the winter.
Winter Winds
When winds get up to high speeds, the shingles on your roof can get ripped right off. This can happen regardless of the season. However, winter winds tend to be far more aggressive than other seasons. As long as your shingles are in pretty good shape, then they are likely to remain in place. Unfortunately, if the shingles are older, then they are at risk of pulling up. So, when a strong winter wind blows through, you will want to inspect the yard for any loose shingles.
Snow Leaks
It can be disastrous any time that moisture leaks through your roof. In the event that snow gets trapped on your roof, it will begin to slowly melt, seeping through the surface of the roof and causing damage. Some of the areas that you need to watch for snow getting trapped include in valleys, by the chimney, and along the roofline.
Snow Load
The snow load on your roof can become excessive and catastrophic. It is far more common than most homeowners believe. Your roof is only able to handle the weight of so much snow, and when there is more snow than that on your roof, it can result in serious damage. In some instances, the excess snow can result in a roof collapse.
Ice Dams
One of the most common issues that homeowners suffer during the winter with their roofs is the formation of ice dams. This occurs when the snow that has accumulated on the middle of the roof begins to melt, drips down into the gutters that are full of various types of debris and then re-refreezes there in the gutters. There, a large block (or dam) of ice forms in the gutters and along the edges of the roof that doesn't allow any melted snow to drain off of the roof. Since this water is unable to go anywhere, it generally leaks into the roof, creating some serious damage. Because clogged gutters are more vulnerable to ice dams forming, it is important that you clean or have your gutters cleaned during the fall.
For more information on how winter weather can cause damage to your roof and what can be done about it, contact a roofing service.
Share17 November 2020
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
