Ever try to control Mother Nature? It never ends well. When living in a climate that is susceptible to harsh winter weather, such as in Michigan, chances are you can feel it in your knees when a snowstorm is going to hit. While it would be nice to have a snow-resistant roof, it is impossible to fully guard against the elements in their entirety.
The effects of snow and ice on your residential roof could be indicative of a few different factors.
Firstly, a highly stressed roof might fold under the pressure of snowfall, which could bring to your attention that your roof might need a major repair or replacement.
Secondly, if you put off your yearly roof maintenance, water damage can be amplified and may even cause mold to grow within your home.
Thirdly, a threat known as ice dams can be a hazard to the structure of your roof.
Sometimes, the weather outside can cause danger to us humans, so it’s needless to say that being attentive is our natural defense. But there are times when even this measure of alertness may not be enough, and that’s when having professional aid, such as a home improvement contractor comes into play.
An expert understanding of weather systems and the toll it takes on your home’s exterior is what Excel Home Improvement in Romulus does best. This kind of knowledge will help prevent disasters like these from derailing your life.
Snowfall Causes Roofs to be Stressed
As snow accumulates on residential roofs, it causes them to be substantially stressed due to the added weight – if left unmonitored, this can lead to issues such as shingle curling or rotting, as well as water leaks impacting both your home’s ceiling and insulation.
While residential roofs are built for endurance, it is wise to take certain preventative measures during major snowstorms in order to minimize any unnecessary stress. These include ventilating your attic and cleaning your gutters regularly.
Water Damage and Leaks Are Amplified Under Inclement Weather
During a winter full of snow and ice, you can face damage to home siding and roofing as stormy weather may contribute to water intrusion. Whether you’re experiencing puddling in your attic or visible signs of decay on residential roof components such as shingles and flashing, it’s time to call for professional help. Examining items that are integral pieces of residential roofs such as ventilation systems, gutter systems, and solar panels can ensure that any potential leaks are detected early in order to prevent further consequences related to water damage.
Ice Dams Are a Hazard to Homeowners
In snowy areas, residential roofs can collect snow and trap the heat from inside a home underneath, creating a warm pocket of air at the edge of the roof. This pocket melts snow and ice, which can then refreeze again at the edge of residential roofs, forming an ice dam.
These can cause damage to both residential roofs and the interior of a home due to leaking water or heavy chunks of snow dislodging from an uneven roof.
To prevent these issues before they start, it’s important for homeowners in cold climates to be proactive about roof maintenance to prevent forming an ice dam.
Preventative Measures and Care for your Home’s Exterior
Ice and snow can be a major problem for homeowners to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be. Excel Home Improvement is the ultimate destination for all roofing installation and repair services in Michigan. Our home improvement services include siding installation, gutter installation and just about anything that has to do with the exterior of your home! If you suspect your roof is on its last legs, give us a call to schedule a roof inspection and Free Estimate.