06 Nov Winter Roofing Problems

Winter weather can do a number on your roof, causing all kinds of problems that might require a roof repair or roof replacement. Here are some things to be aware of when it comes to winter roofing problems.

Condensation in the Attic – Condensation occurs whenever warm air hits a cold surface. If you don’t have proper insulation or ventilation in your attic, you could end up dealing with a condensation problem, which in turn leads to other problems. On top of damaging your roof and decreasing its lifespan, condensation and poor insulation and ventilation cause your HVAC system to overwork itself to make up for the loss of heat, as well as a buildup of moisture within your home. This could result in mold and tiny leaks that can cause even more issues with drywall and wood buckling.

You can prevent condensation by hiring professionals to make certain that your attic has appropriate insulation and ventilation.

Strong Winds – Any storm with strong winds, whether it’s a thunderstorm or snowstorm, can loosen your shingles, pull apart the flashing, and even rip gutters from your roof. There is also the possibility of tree branches and other debris piercing your roof. Always check out your roof after strong windstorms and contact roofing professionals when necessary.

Tree Limbs (without bad weather) – If there are a lot of trees near your house, your roof is susceptible to other types of tree limb damage. Limbs hanging over your home can scratch your roof’s surface and ruin the protective top layer. Branches that land on your rooftop can cause issues as well. You can make tree limbs and branches less of an issue by trimming them whenever they are within six feet of your roof. This will also prevent small animals from moving across the tree limbs to your roof and nesting inside of your roof.

Flashing Leaks – Roofs have something called flashings, which are the strips of metal that are positioned along your roof’s front edge, corners, and ridges, as well as the chimney and skylights if you have them. Sloped roofs are susceptible to leaky flashings, especially when those flashings are installed improperly or are exposed to bad weather. You can prevent this issue by having roofing professionals examine your flashings every six months and reinstall your roof flashings when needed.

Ice Dams & Icicles – Icicles and ice dams happen when water freezes, melts and then refreezes quickly. Both of these can cause issues for your roof.

Icicles, aside from being dangerous to walk under, can weigh down the roof, and they’re incredibly harsh on your gutters, causing them to bend or break. You can avoid damage like this by cleaning your gutters properly so they don’t clog when freezing occurs.

When ice dams they melt, they can leak through cracks and joints in your home and cause water damage. There is no way to prevent ice dams from forming, but the right insulation and proper ventilation can decrease the likelihood of them forming. You can also use rubber underlayments in roofing areas where ice dams are most likely to form.

If you think you’re having any of the issues above with your roof and you’re considering doing a roof repair or roof replacement, please contact Caldwell Roofing to set up an appointment. You can use the contact form on our Contact page to submit your issues, questions, and/or concerns. You can also call us at 561-609-1095.