Winter is a harsh mistress, especially when it comes to roofs. New problems can arise even as old ones worsen. You’ll need to keep an eye on your roof this winter to prevent common problems, like those listed below.
Water Damage
Water damage in winter is most frequently caused by melting snow and ice. Not only can it seep under shingles and cause leaks, but it can also result in soggy drywall, misfiring electrical outlets, and the growth of mold inside your home. Installing a slanted roof can help, but even with the water running downwards, it can cause problems after heavy winter storms with lots of snow and sleet.
Icy Build-Up
Icy build-up is more than just an eyesore. Ice on your roof can lead to serious structural damage in the form of “ice dams” that clog gutters, put pressure on shingles and sheathing, and melt into the materials below. Icy build-up can also cause dangerous icicles to hang from the eaves of your roof. Believe it or not, people go to the hospital every year for icicle-related injuries, especially young children.
Freeze-Thaw Damage
Freeze-thaw cycles occur in the wintertime when water is continually freezing and melting thanks to snow and ice accumulation. In its liquid state, the moisture can enter the cracks and crevices of a roof, straining the roofing materials when it starts to freeze again and expand into a solid. The damage can be lethal to your roof and require a roofing contractor to fix it.
Stress Damage
Heavy snowfall can cause stress damage to a roof from the weight of all of the accumulated snow. Even if it doesn’t cause an outright cave-in, it can put pounds of pressure on your support beams and lead to the deterioration of their materials. Wind can also cause stress damage if it blows heavy branches or other debris onto your rooftops during a blizzard.
Homeowner Harm
Last but not least, homeowners can hurt their roofs through well-meaning attempts to maintain them. If you’ve ever tried to scrape snow off your shingles, for example, you’ve run the risk of denting them. Rock salt isn’t any better: it can cause chemical decay and compromise the integrity of the shingles. In extreme cases, your efforts to clean your shingles might void their warranty.
Winter can be hard on your home, especially your roof. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions to anticipate problems, prevent damage, and maintain the strength and structure of your roof until spring
