Snow and Ice Dangers for Your Roof

You may be warm and dry inside the house, but snow and ice have major impacts on the outside of your home; particularly the roof. Yes, your roof is strong and it's made to withstand the weather but continued snow and ice have special factors that blend to create unique dangers. Drastic temperatures, plenty of moisture, and a lack of preparation can fill your spring schedule with roofing repairs. Winter weather creates the following dangers for the roofs of homes and businesses.

Stress

​Stress on your home isn't created by anxiety. It is created by weight. If you have ever shoveled snow, you know it doesn't take much of it to get heavy. Even a few inches of snow can add significant weight, and ice is likely hiding below. A compromised roof can collapse under the weight of snow and ice.

It could be hard to see the warnings of a buckling roof under a blanket of snow, so watch for signs inside the house. Ceilings may not be bulging, but you should check near the walls for signs of leaks, or separation between the wall and ceiling. It is important to have a professional assessment if your roof is under stress.

Ice Dams

As melting snow thaws, it drains toward the lowest points of the roof. When the sun goes down and the temperatures cool, the melting snow and ice refreeze creating an icy barrier at the edge of the roof. The freezing and melting process throughout the winter also clogs gutters. These dams made from ice trap additional snow, ice, and water on your roof. The best way to prevent ice dams is to have snow removed from your roof before refreezing occurs.

Cracks and Leaks

Harsh winter weather can cause tiny surface cracks in your roof. Water leaks into these cracks. When temperatures cool the water freezes to ice expanding the size of the cracks. The result of this type of damage usually shows up as leaks in your attic.
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Cumulative damage to your roof can actually reduce its lifespan. The best way to keep winter weather from damaging your roof is prevention. Schedule an inspection during the fall and be sure to thoroughly clean your gutters after all the leaves have fallen. Contact us for more information about keeping your home safe and beautiful.