With winter right around the corner it is important for you to understand how snow and ice can impact your roof. Here at A Custom To, LLC, we’re all about educating our customers on the most up to date and effective roofing guidelines so you can hopefully forgo pricy repairs. Making sure your roof is in good shape as the seasons pass by is the best way to do this.
Winter is a big issue for roofs because snow and ice sit on your roof and then melt, during which it can work its way into any crack or crevice it can find. The snow and water can freeze and expand and that is when you get leaks. Put simply, the winter months are a true test of your roof’s durability and reliability as this is the time of year when issues usually arise.
Ice is heavy, and can cause shingles to cave in over time. This can cause water damage, or can seep in through walls of your home causing mold. Eventually, this could also lead to rust or rot on gutters or downspouts.
The most important factor in preventing roof damage is to keep the snow and ice from building up. This is why, if you’re not sure, we recommend having someone from A Custom To come out and check your home’s roof to make sure everything is in working order for the coming winter months. A quick check now could alleviate you from costly expenditures later.
Ice Dams
One of the most common ways winter roof damage can occur is from ice dams. This is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water backs up behind the dam and can leak into your home through cracks in the shingles or eaves. Ice dams are often caused by poor insulation and ventilation, which is why it is important to have your home inspected.
Roof Blisters
Another common problem is something known as roof blisters. This happens when the water in between the shingles freezes, thus expanding the shingle and separating it from the roof deck. The separated shingle then becomes a place for snow and ice to accumulate, which could cause further damage.
Improper Snow Removal
When shoveling or blowing snow off your roof it is important that you’re careful not to accidentally hit a gutter or vent in the process. This is an easily avoidable mistake which can be avoided when taking the proper precautions when and if you decide to remove snow from your roof.
How To Prevent Snow and Ice Damage
Clear off gutters and make sure they’re not clogged with debris – especially after fall when there are likely to be twigs and leaves. You can make sure that your downspouts extend away from the side of your home instead of directly under the gutter lines. Additionally, you can keep vents clear near the ridgeline because these areas will trap air leading to ice damming situations described above.
The Bottom Line
Inspect your roof prior to the snow and ice arriving on it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember that we offer free estimates if it turns out that we find something that needs attention.