Besides storm season, winter is the most challenging time for your roof. Snow and ice freezing and thawing can wreak havoc on your roofing system, and if not properly treated, even the inside of your home could be at risk. The last thing you want to do is spend the most wonderful time of the year worrying about whether or not your roof is able to support those cozy nights. In this blog, we talk about four common problems your roof could face during the winter and what to do about it.
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Icicles
Icicles may look pretty, but they can pose a real threat to people and pets. They are typically formed on sunny days with below-freezing temperatures. A significant cause of these being created is clogged gutters and downspouts. Icicles can be heavy, and their excessive weight can damage your gutters and roof. An excellent way to prevent icicles from forming is to ensure that your gutters are consistently cleared of leaves, needles, and other debris. Continue gutter maintenance even as the weather starts to warm to avoid leaks and other problems from the spring showers.
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Condensation
Condensation occurs super quickly. Warm air plus a cold surface equals condensation. In the case of your home, an attic that is not insulated correctly is the primary cause of the formation of condensation that can lead to mold, mildew, leaks, and other damage to the interior structure of your home. To prevent condensation, always check your attic when doing routine roof maintenance checks. Improper ventilation can cause damage to your roof and decking, encourage ice dams, and shorten your roof’s lifespan by half. The best way to ensure that your attic is up to standard is to schedule a roof inspection with a trusted contractor.
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Flashing Leaks
Flashing leaks are common, especially if you have a sloped roof like most homes. Flashings are metal strips placed around your roof’s front edge, corners, and ridges. There is also flashing around chimneys and skylights. It is used to direct water away from the critical areas of your roof. If the flashing isn’t correctly installed, it can start to pull away from your roofing materials and end up allowing water to seep into your roof. This can also happen during a storm or by normal wear and tear. It would be best if you had your flashings inspected about every six months to prevent problems from occurring.
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Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when the upper areas of an icy roof begin to thaw, and the lower perimeters are still frozen. The melted ice and snow flow down the roof and will refreeze once it meets the ice at the bottom. This creates a dam where water will pool behind. When the water gathers behind, it poses a real threat to leaking into your home through the cracks and joints in your roofing material. Although there isn’t a way to eliminate the possibility of ice dams, proper insulation and a solid attic ventilation system can help prevent the risk. You can also use modified rubber underlayments for areas with this possible scenario.
How We Can Help
Arnett Roofing and Construction is built on a solid foundation of trust and loyalty, ensuring that every one of our clients is adequately taken care of during any roofing project. If you want to ensure that your home is set for the winter months, contact our experts ASAP! We will provide you with a FREE inspection and ensure that any repairs needed are done swiftly and correctly.
