Winter may be one of the cruelest seasons on your roof. The snow, ice, cold weather and powerful winds will combine to test the strength and serviceability of your roofing system. Although your roof is meant to safeguard your home throughout the year, winter weather would expose your weak areas that would not be evident when the weather is warm. Hiring the most professional roofing contractor will help you to avoid the most common winter problems.
Learning about the most frequent winter roofing problems and how they can be avoided will save you the cost of costly repairs and unforeseeable damage.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are one of the most common issues in winter roofs. These are cases where a heat escaping your home will melt snow in the upper section of the roof. This water then sinks to the lower sides and is refrozen to create a ridge of ice. This ice accumulation causes a blockage of proper drainage which further enables the water to stagnate below the shingles and break into your house.
The first step to prevent ice dams is to make sure your attics are well insulated and have ventilation to maintain the same temperature in your roof. It can also be done by sealing the gaps that are around the vents, chimneys and points of access into the attic to reduce heat loss and also prevent the formation of ice before it starts forming.
Snow Buildup
The piled up snow creates great weight on your roof. With time, such additional load may lead to structural stress, sagging or in extreme cases collapse. Snow accumulation is particularly prone to flat and low-slope roofs, and therefore, they are more susceptible to severe winter storms.
In order to avoid snow damages, one should ensure that excess snow is removed safely after a large amount of snow has been produced using a roof rake. Moreover, it is always good to have a roof checked prior to the onset of winter to make sure that it can withstand the excessive weight of the season.
Roof Leaks
Low temperatures may cause the cracks and weak areas that are already present on your roof to increase, thus increasing the risk of leaks. After water intrudes in some form, it becomes free and will expand even more damaging as time goes by. Most of the time, these leaks do not realize themselves until water stains are found on ceilings or walls.
To avoid winter leaks, it is necessary to check the roof regularly and repair it in time. The replacement of broken shingles and the covering up of the exposed parts is enough to save your house before the weather turns colder.
Frozen Gutters
Melting snow may cause blockage of drainage through refreezing in gutters and consequently overflowing water which causes damage to roof edges, siding and foundations. Ice can also be pulling away your home because of the weight of the ice, which is an added problem.
Before winter begins, it is recommended to keep your gutters clear of debris and clean. Freezing can also be prevented by installing heating cables to problem areas or add more attic insulation to enhance water flow.
Condensation in the Attic
The homeowners do not understand that condensation of the home attic may be a significant winter issue. Hot and damp air in the house may ascend to a cold attic where moisture is deposited on wood and insulation. This may in the long run result in the growth of molds, rotting and poor roof structure.
The solution to preventing attic condensation is proper ventilation. A healthy airflow can be offered with ridges vents, soffit vents, and exhaust fans to ensure that your attic is dry and your roof is not ruined.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter
Preparation is the greatest defense against roofing problems in winter. Professional inspection of the roof should be planned during the fall to identify every minor issue before it develops into a bigger issue. Clipping away the overhanging tree branches, clearing out the gutters, and inspecting the shingles that are loose or missing are very easy but effective measures that make a great difference.
Quality insulation and ventilation will not only save your roof but also increase the energy efficiency of your home in the colder seasons.
Final Thoughts
The roof of your place is the initial defense your place has against the winter. With knowledge of the pitfalls that are likely to occur in winter roofing and some proactive measures to prevent them, you can evade the stress, avoid the expensive repairs and possible safety hazards. A small amount of preparation can be used to make sure that your roof remains strong and ready to withstand the whole season.
In case you are not sure about the state of your roof or just enjoy the peace of mind prior to the onset of winter, then you may want to call on a professional roofing contractor and have them examine your roof in detail and give you their professional advice.
Looking for an expert Roofing Company Bel Air, MD? Contact us to get the professional roofing services to protect your home from damage this winter.
