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HOW WINTER WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR ROOF

MOISTURE IN YOUR ROOF

Water can cause damage to a roof at any time of year, but the problems are more pronounced in winter.  This is because differences between the temperature inside your home, the attic, and the atmosphere can cause condensation.  When warm air passes over a cold material, moisture in the warm air tends to condense on the cold material.  Poor insulation and poor ventilation can both result in this condensation forming in your attic.  Condensation can lead to several problems.  Water is damaging to the fabric of your home so that it can result in the weakening of important parts of the structure.

A damp environment is conducive to mold and mildew.  These unpleasant organisms also damage your building’s fabric, but they have additional risks to you and your home.  They produce unpleasant smells and can also contribute to health problems such as asthma and eczema.  It’s important to maintain good insulation and ventilation so that your roof continues to protect from condensation. Get it checked by a roofing professional and have any issues resolved before you have to fix the damage caused by condensation.

ICE DAMAGE

During periods of cold weather, ice can form on your roof. As the weather improves, the warmth melts the ice, but it doesn’t do this evenly.  The higher parts of your roof melt first.  As the melted ice turns into water, it flows down the roof.  When the recently melted ice meets ice, it can freeze again.  The ice builds up in this area of the roof forming ice dams.  These ice dams can get quite heavy, and they also prevent water from flowing from the roof.  Together, more weight and standing water damages your roof and causes cracks. When the ice does eventually melt, water can flow through the cracks causing leaks into the attic and the building below.

The damage to your roof doesn’t stop at leaks. The structure can also be weakened.  This can make the roof unsafe in windy conditions and prone to further damage.

Freezing conditions can also cause icicles to form. They tend to be a sign that you have blocked gutters.  As water accumulates in the gutter as snow and ice melt, the blockage makes the water overflow the gutter, and then it freezes again.  The weight of the icicles can damage the gutters and even the roof further.  Maintenance of your gutters can reduce the formation of icicles. If they do form, it is wise to have your roof checked for any damage.

STORMS AND WIND

Although strong winds are not common, they can be powerful when they do come.  High winds are potentially damaging to your roof.

High wind can dislodge or even remove roof tiles or shingles.  The result is an opportunity for water to enter the roof space and cause a leak and water damage.  High winds can also damage the structure of your roof, especially if it is already weakened by age or water damage.

LEAKING ROOF

Flashing is the metal material used to edge your roof.  You may notice it around corners, and ridges and if you have a chimney, you may see it around that. High winds, snow, and ice can cause the flashing to come away from the roof.  Flashing is essential for sealing joints. If it is damaged, it can result in leaks.

SNOW DAMAGE

When it snows, the weight of the snow can damage your roof.  Ice dams can form under the snow causing leaks.  It’s important to check your roof after the snow to identify any damage and leaks. Immediate repairs prevent further damage and protect your home from water damage in the future?

Winter is here.  However, it also means being prepared for the changes that can happen in your house.  Obviously, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system is ready to face the colder temperatures, but it is important to anticipate changes that can happen to the exterior of your property as well and in particular, to your roof.

4 Ways Winter Weather Can Damage Your Roof

1. Fluctuating Temperatures:  When the weather swings back and forth between hot and cold, it can start to damage the tiles and shingles on your roof, causing them to crack and break.  Given the realities of climate change, it is now harder to maintain a consistent roof temperature year-round, so it is important to be prepared for how these fluctuations can affect your roofing system.  Make sure your attic is properly insulated to help lock in temperatures and prevent moisture accumulation, and if you have any damaged tiles or shingles on your roof now, try to get them replaced at the beginning of the season.

2. Heavy Winds: The strongest winds of the year often arrive during the winter, which means your roof is more at risk of having shingles blown off.  Heavy winds can also damage your flashing, and often greatly wear down the ridges and rakes on your roof.  We suggest having your roof inspected before this type of wind arrives, and winter storms start to pose a threat to your property.

3. Water, Snow & Ice: As mentioned above, winter storms are extremely dangerous for your roof, and when rain hits your home repeatedly, it can result in leaks and a ton of other damage.  This is another reason it is a good idea to schedule roof maintenance early on, so you can catch cracks and holes in your roof before you end up with a major leak. Remember, enough rain over a sustained period of time can cause spots in your roof to become very weak, so it is always a good idea to have a professional do this, rather than taking on the risk yourself.  Many parts of the country also have to worry about snow building up on the roof, not only causing leaks but freezing and refreezing, leading to dangerous water damage.  This turns into an even more perilous situation when this buildup leads to ice dams over the roof, which are very dangerous for people and for roofing systems.

A lot of people are unsure about how snow can damage a roof.  However, they do not realize that melting snow can ruin the structure of a roof.  Heavy snow can result in a collapse of a roof and leaks into the house.  If the snow is not removed quickly, it can cause structural damage.  Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to avoid this from happening. Listed below are some of them.

In areas where snowfall is heavy, the roofs may be built to handle more weight than the rest of the house.  But even in those areas, snow accumulation can cause a roof to collapse. It is important to note that a homeowner should never take any chances.  A large pile of snow can easily cause a damaged roof.  If you have a deteriorated roof, you should immediately replace the damaged shingles.

Snow causes a variety of problems for roofs.  Regardless of the type of roof, heavy snow can result in a collapse of the structure.  Moreover, if the slope of the roof is not proper, it can lead to a collapse of the roof.  It may also cause water leaks to the home.  This is a very serious problem that should be treated immediately. If you are concerned about this problem, you can always consult a contractor or a roofing company.