Winter weather can be especially hard on your roof. Even if your roof has been holding up for years, it’s still vulnerable to the worst that this season has to offer. As with most issues with your home, it’s best to know what to expect this winter, so keep an eye out for these common problems so you can fix them before they can do too much damage.
1. Condensation
Condensation forms whenever cold air hits a warm surface. Naturally, you can expect this to occur on your roof whenever it gets particularly cold outside. It’s not a serious problem in most cases, but too much of it can cause water damage or ice dams. This is usually the case when your attic isn’t properly insulated or you don’t have adequate ventilation in your roofing system, so be sure to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof regularly to keep condensation to a minimum.
2. Ice Dams
Ice dams form when the ice on the upper portions of your roof melt while the ice on your roof’s edges stays frozen. They cause water to pool on your roof, which can lead to serious damage. A roofing contractor can remove ice dams with de-icing chemicals, but it’s best to prevent them from forming in the first place with proper ventilation and insulation.
3. Frozen Gutters
Your gutters need to be kept clear at all times, and they can freeze during the winter if they clogged by too much snow or ice. Check your gutters frequently to make sure that water is still moving through them.
4. Icicles
Icicles may look pretty, but they can cause a lot of problems if they get too big. Not only can they pose a threat to people and animals if they fall, but their excessive weight could damage your gutters.
5. Flashing Leaks
Flashing are the thin metal strips that protect the most vulnerable parts of your roof. It can be damaged by severe weather, but even tightly packed snow could be enough to lift up flashing if it’s in really bad shape. Damaged flashing can cause leaks as ice and snow melts, so have a roofing contractor fix it as soon as you suspect that you have a problem.
6. Falling Tree Limbs
If you have a lot of large trees in your yard, keep a close eye on them during the winter. Excessive ice and snow can weigh heavily on tree limbs that hang over your roof and cause them to fall.
7. Hail Damage
Hail can be just as much of a problem during the winter as it is in the summer. If your home has been hit by a severe storm this winter, check for signs of hail damage such as dents in your siding, missing shingles, or damaged flashing.
If you suspect that you have any damage on your roof this winter, don’t hesitate to contact the Akurate Roofing Group for assistance.