Winter will be here before we know it. Blizzards, whipping winds, and freezing temperatures are hard on your home’s roof. Look out for these common roofing problems and learn how you can prevent them.
Is Your Home’s Roof Prepared for Winter?
As your family gathers around the fireplace to stay warm each winter, the roof over your heads keeps you all safe from the freezing rain, heavy snow, and extremely low temperatures. Because a roof’s sole purpose is to protect you and your loved ones, it needs to be in excellent working condition before winter strikes.
There’s more than enough that comes with winter weather as it is; commuting through the snow, bundling up for blizzards, and shoveling your driveway are just a few examples. But there are a few roofing issues homeowners must also work through during the winter, and if their roofs aren’t up to par, those issues can become expensive and unsafe. Some problematic roofing conditions that stem from winter weather include:
Snow Leaks
Roofs don’t like too much moisture. Leaks can occur for many different reasons. Snow leaks in the winter—and leaks during any time of the year in general—are a leading cause of roof issues. Water entering through a roof is destructive to not just the roofing materials and underlayment, but to your home’s interior too.
Snow often gets stuck around the roofline, by the chimney, or in a valley. Eventually, the snow melts, seeping into the surface. If you notice water stains on the walls or ceilings, smell mold, or locate a leak, chances are your roof is past due for repairs, and, unfortunately, the snow just made matters worse.
Strong Winds
Winter weather can bring powerful winds. If they’re too strong, they can rip roofing materials from the surface, leaving the roof deck exposed to the elements. You may notice that your thermostat is turned up high, but it’s still colder in your house than usual. You may also feel a draft coming from the wall or ceiling. These may be indicators that your roofing materials are brittle and splitting. When cold weather gets the best of your roof, it’s harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Sometimes, winds are strong enough to tear asphalt shingles off the roof entirely. After a windy winter day, check for roofing matter or shingles around your yard.
Heavy Snow Load
With continual snowfall, the accumulation that builds up on your roof can be too heavy for it to bear. Depending on how old your roof is and how up-to-date you are on repairs, your roof could be overwhelmed with snow load, which refers to the extra weight that can cause surface damage. A weaker or older roof deck is most susceptible to snow load. In severe cases, this can cause the roof to collapse, so it’s crucial to take your roof’s condition into careful consideration.
Ice Dams
If you procrastinate cleaning your gutters, here’s an important reason why you shouldn’t put it off any longer: ice dams. These form when snow in the middle of the roof melts, gets stuck in clogged gutters, and re-freezes. This creates a large barrier of solid ice on the roof’s edges, preventing melting snow from draining properly. Since the melted snow has nowhere to go, it leaks into your roof’s surface, causing damage. To avoid this, it’s wise to make a habit of cleaning your gutters before they become overloaded with water and debris.
Rectify Roofing Troubles Before Temperatures Drop
There’s never a good time to experience roofing issues, but winter is the worst time by far. Not only is it freezing cold, but snow or other extreme conditions can keep you from taking care of your roof the way you need to. Prolonging roof repairs and neglecting routine maintenance puts you in a compromising position come wintertime. Make sure you and your family have the utmost protection from a roofing system that’s in great shape.
In addition to cleaning your gutters, there are other precautionary measures you can take this fall to prepare your roof for winter. Call professionals to inspect your roof; they’ll inform you of any serious problems that need to be addressed before temperatures drop. Also, make sure you have professional landscapers trim low-hanging branches to keep them from falling on your roof during a blizzard and adding to the weight of the snow on the surface.
Kirberg Provides Roofing Solutions in Time for Winter Weather
At Kirberg, our professionals can improve your roofing structure before cold weather strikes. Now is the best time to get your roof in order. Our experienced team treats every residential roofing project with the care and attention we’d give to our own homes. You shouldn’t have to worry about ice dams, snow load, leaks, or other winter roofing issues. Our contractors are here to answer your questions and get started on the best roofing solution for your home.
After 100 years of superior service to Missourians from St. Louis to Springfield, Kirberg shows no signs of slowing down. We have countless capabilities, and we’re confident we can earn your business for years to come. Our portfolio includes new roof construction, residential roof repair, and help with insurance claims. Don’t navigate roofing complexities by yourself. With Kirberg, your home is in good hands.
