You’re planning on escaping the brutal winters of the north and heading down to sunny Florida. You’ve got everything you need—sunscreen, bathing suit, pair of shades, tiny, brightly-colored umbrellas for your cocktails—but have you gotten your home ready for the onslaught of inclement weather you’re fleeing?
The last thing you want is to return to a leaking or damaged roof. The fact is that snow, ice and extreme cold can all affect your roof.
Here’s a closer look at the most common winter roof issues you should consider to ensure you’re leaving your house behind in the best shape possible.
Excess snow pileup
If you’re not around during the winter, it’s possible that snow will pile up on your roof and cause all manner of havoc. Snow load is a term that refers to the amount of extra weight a roof is capable of handling. When a blizzard dumps a couple of feet of snow on your roof, this excess weight can lead to serious damage. In some cases, the snow load on the roof may cause it to collapse.
Consider talking to professional roof experts before you leave for the winter. They can help with snow removal from the roof to ensure that it doesn’t reach a breaking point.
Leaks
Just as during other times of year, one of the leading problems is water coming through the roof and destroying it. If snow is trapped on the roof, it will begin to melt and can infiltrate the surface wherever there are cracks. The most common issue is that snow gets stuck in the roof line, in a valley or by a chimney.
Ice dams
One common occurrence in winter is that ice and snow fall on the roof and then thaw and freeze back over repeatedly. This can lead to a large dam of solid ice on the roof’s edge that prevents any precipitation from draining away. This buildup can cause leaks and lead to other damage. Roofs that have blocked or clogged gutter systems are (as you might expect) much more likely to form ice dams. Before winter hits, make sure that the gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
Wind
Often, winter storms are associated with high winds. A roof that’s in good shape will be able to endure this weather; however, older roofs with shingles that are damaged, peeling or cracked will have more problems. Ensuring that the shingles are in good condition and affixed to the roof before winter weather hits will solve any potential problems down the line.
We hope we’ve clearly addressed what roofing problems happen to houses most in winter. For more than three decades, Winter Springs Roofing & Repair has been the leader in professional roofing and roof repairs. We have developed solutions for every roofing issue you can think of—from drainage problems to leaks and design flaws. We offer outstanding roofing services at affordable prices to a wide range of customers. Give us a call today to find out more and get a free quote.