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A Closer Look at Winter Roof Problems
With an Arctic blast on its way, it’s a great time to take a closer look at winter roof problems.
Common Winter Roof Problems
Here are the common problems associated with wintry weather:
Compared to issues roofs face in warmer seasons, winter problems are notoriously bad. Here are the details regarding each common problem.
Frost/sleet/ below freezing temperatures- A danger to ailing asphalt roofs, frost can be the final straw that causes a brittle shingle to crack, especially if tree branches or other large objects hit your roof repeatedly. When a shingle is completely frozen, it is more susceptible to breakage because it is not as flexible as it is when it is warm.
The solution? If your roof is old, get a new roof. If it is still in good shape, schedule a regular roofing inspection to stay on top of any possible damage due to cold weather issues.
Hail- Ice falling from the sky is no joke when your roof is on its last leg. Even something the size of a golf ball can make large impacts on your roof. When it’s a cold roof to boot, you can see breakage and leaks follow.
The solution? Have a pro assess any damage and send your insurance our expert observations. When everything is documented properly, you can maximize your chance to get your claim approved.
Packed Snow- Snow weighs around 20 pounds per cubic foot. If there is ice on your roof on top of that, then you can figure in 5.2 pounds per cubic foot of 1-inch high ice accumulation. All roofs have a maximum limit snow load limit, which averages 30 lbs per square foot. If snow is piling high on a failing roof, it is more likely to sustain damage.
The solution? Though you may not need to do this in your area, if your roof ever starts to bear a load heavier than 30 lbs per cubic foot, look into snow removal to keep your home in good shape.
Please do not go on the roof yourself without the right safety equipment and know-how!
Frozen/sagging gutters- When you have old or faulty gutters, they are more likely to clog and collect rainwater. This can cause serious problems when a cold snap strikes and the debris and water in the gutters freeze overnight. It’s possible for gutters to become so heavy that they break off from the house. Or, they can burst open or break apart because frozen water expands up to a 9% increase from its volume as a liquid.
The solution? Get seamless gutters with leaf guards and be sure to still monitor your gutters to make sure they are free from debris.
Ice dams: This is the ice build-up that develops the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings. They come from snow that melts under a snow pack, which trickles down to the eaves and freezes there.
The solution? Ensure your attic is properly outfitted with air vents, soffits, and a good level of insulation. This will keep your roof cool during the winter so there is no unnecessary melting.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM