How Snow and Ice Can Damage Your Roof Over Time
The winter weather is a beautiful sight in the neighborhood, yet to the homeowners, it presents a list of peculiar problems for property maintenance. Although it is often feared that a person might be hit by wind or hail, the gradual snow and ice can be just as destructive. The weight and moisture that comes with winter storms can, over time, destroy the structural integrity of your home.
You might want to find a good roofing company in Lincoln, or you might need an inspection in the suburbs, but you need to know how winter damage works first, to save your investment.
The Hidden Weight: The Impact of Heavy Snow on Roof Structure
Snow that has just fallen may appear light and fluffy, but its weight increases as it settles. A square foot of fresh snow can weigh about 20 pounds, but as it becomes packed or saturated with rain, that weight can triple.
Stress and Sagging
Most modern roofs are designed to handle a certain "snow load," but prolonged exposure to heavy drifts can lead to structural fatigue. If you notice interior doors sticking, new cracks in the drywall, or a visible dip in your roofline, the weight of the snow may be pushing your rafters to their limit.
The Freeze: Thaw Cycle
During the day, snow melts, and at night refreezes as temperatures vary. This cycle is especially destructive because water expands when it freezes. When water has crept into small cracks in your shingles or flashing, the expansion may turn small cracks into large ones.
Ice Dams: The Roof Killer without a Sound
The development of ice dams is one of the most serious threats during a cold snap. This happens when the heat in your attic is used to melt the snow that is on the higher ends of the roof. The meltwater then descends to the colder eaves and refreezes into a thick band of ice.
Seepage and Internal Leaks
When an ice dam is formed, it makes a standing pool of water behind it. Shingles are made to shed water that flows downwards and therefore cannot prevent stagnant water from under pressure. This water will ultimately seep under the shingles and into your attic, where it causes mold growth, damaged insulation, and damaged ceilings.
Damage to Gutters and Downspouts
A huge ice dam, with massive icicles, can actually tear gutters off the fascia board. This opens a hole through which water may flow into the foundation or the siding of your home, causing further costly repairs in the future.
Shingle Wearing and Granule Loss
The weather in winter is harsh. When ice slides off a roof, it may strip the protective granules off your shingles. The granules are vital in UV protection; otherwise, your shingles will be brittle and crack before long. That is the reason why a lot of house owners in the area address a roofing company in Apex or nearby to have their shingles checked after winter to make sure they are still flexible and safe.
Professional Prevention and Restoration
Winter damage cannot be dealt with by a shovel alone. Actually, trying to roof yourself usually leads to greater destruction of the shingles or, even worse, bodily harm. Professional roofers have special equipment and methods for removing ice and snow without damaging the roofing material.
Should you be in the Carolinas and require a reliable roofing company in Waxhaw, or should you be in the very center of the Midwest, local knowledge counts. A professional team is aware of the local weather and is able to notice the minor details of winter wear that the untrained eye would not have noticed.
At O’Danny boy Builders, we have decades of experience in each project. Having been a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, we have done more than 5,000 roofing projects in the country. We are experts in storm damage detection and repair so that your home is a haven, regardless of the weather type. Free inspections to smooth insurance claim service, our staff is there to take care of all your roofing requirements with 5-star service you can rely on.
FAQs
But how do I know whether I have an ice dam?
Search on the roof behind the eaves of your roof, or on the icicles that are unusually large and form behind the gutters. When you notice water stains on your interior ceilings or walls when it thaws, then the most probable cause is an ice dam.
Can I use salt or chemical de-icing on my roof?
No: a lot of the chemicals that are employed to melt ice may corrode metal flashing and dry out asphalt shingles, which causes early failure. Ice removal is always better done by a professional.
How frequently should I get my roof checked in winter for possible damage?
A professional checkup should be done at least twice annually: in the fall to prepare for the cold, and in the spring to evaluate the damage of snow and ice formation.
Will insulating the attic help prevent roof damage?
Yes: with proper insulation and ventilation, your attic will be cool, and the uneven temperatures of the roof that lead to the formation of ice dams in the first place will not occur.