Winter poses its own trials for roofs that may result in substantial harm if not adequately addressed. For homeowners, it’s important to understand how these winter roof issues can affect their homes’ safety and durability.
Make sure you do a roof inspection and address any issues regardless of their size before the onset of cold weather.
Doing this will prevent potential damage, save you money, and keep you from undue stress. So, if you skip the inspection here are some potential problems that your roof will endure during a typical Michigan winter.
1. Ice Dams
Ice dams – they’re a typical winter roofing issue and this is what can happen: heat from the loft melts the roof’s snow, and then it refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a dam. This dam keeps melting snow from draining, triggering water to sneak under the shingles and into the house. This might even spoil walls, ceilings, insulation, and other parts.
2. Heavy Snow Loads
Snow’s weight, especially wet ones, can stress the roof. Older or deteriorated roofs are at the most risk of collapsing due to heavy snow. Observe the snow amount on your roof, remove excessive snow.
3. Icicles
Icicles might appear striking, but they can indicate possible issues like congested gutters and shoddy loft insulation. The same factors that cause ice dams can also lead to icicles. They can be hazardous, both dropping risks and by adding extra weight to gutters and roofing structures.
4. Condensation
Warm indoor air meeting cold surfaces, like the lower part of a roof, can cause condensation. This could breed mold and mildew, damaging the roof’s internal configuration and lowering indoor air standards. Good loft insulation and aeration are the solution to condensation.
5. Roofs and Wind
In winter, vast winds arrive. These winds are undeniably powerful. They can steal away your roof’s shingles or tiles, and expose the vital parts underneath. Delayed repair could mean leaks and more damage.
6. Leaky Flashing
Have you heard of flashing? It’s a roof security item. In winter, it suffers damage. Multiple freezes and thaws make it crack, loosen and leak.
7. Clogged Gutters
Ice and snow don’t mix well with gutters and downspouts. They block them, halting the normal flow of water. Then comes the damage when water finds its way into your eaves.
8. Leaks in Skylight
Skylights endure harsh winters, too. Surrounded by snow and ice, seals may decay. This enables leaks.
9. Freezing vs Thawing
Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles harm your roof. Water, as it freezes, spreads. This creates gaps in shingles or membranes. Leaks and broken roof follow, reducing roof’s lifespan.
10. Dangers of Tree Limbs
Winter’s heavy snow and ice burden tree limbs. Should one break, your roof might be damaged. Regular pruning can help.
Let the Professionals Maintain your Roof
Maintaining the roof is not just necessary, it’s beneficial. Regular check-ups, prompt repairs, maintaining gutters, insulation and ventilation, removing snow, and detecting any signs of damage right at the start are all key. Don’t wait. Protect your roof for it to last longer and serve you better. Connect with a home improvement contractor near you that specializes in roofing services to ensure your peace of mind with a job well done.
The professionals at Excel Home Improvement in Romulus have seen it all when it comes to roofing problems during the cold weather months. They can help prevent potential damage by conducting a roof inspection and tackling the fails.
Our team is highly skilled, and our work is guaranteed to ensure a roof installation, repair, or any exterior home improvement service is done right. You can count on us for roofing services, siding installation and repair as well as gutter installation and maintenance. Keeping your home in top shape means years of living comfortably.
Contact our sales office to schedule a Free Estimate on any home improvement service you need!