Six Common Roofing Problems in Winter

For the last several years, the winter has been very unpredictable. Winter months can be brutal, and they have the potential to ruin your home. Your roof is one of the parts of your home that can be very vulnerable to harsh winter weather. The snow, ice, and wind can easily break your roof. There are several ways to prevent winter roofing problems that you should be aware of. However, winter likes to come with surprises. As prepared as we can be, there are certain situations in which you may still encounter roof problems. Here are some common roofing problems that you might face in the winter. 

Natural Forces 

When it comes to winter, the wind and snow can be quite intense. Harsh winds can pull up your shingles, which can cause damaged flashing.  With heavy snow, the damaged shingles probably will not be visible, but you can see early signs of leaking from the inside of your home. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent roof damage from natural sources. It is always better to act fast once you find damage caused by wind or snow in order to prevent even more damage. 

Condensation

Excessive condensation is one of the most common winter issues. Simply put, it is when warm air meets a cold surface, like the warmer air in your home that makes its way into your colder attic.  Condensation buildup is mainly due to inadequate ventilation and insufficient insulation. It can be undetectable for some time, but in extreme conditions, it can develop into mold or mildew that potentially damages the insulation and the wood that is in your attic.  Other than mold and mildew, there are several signs of condensation, such as water stains, wood rotting, and electrical problems. The best way to prevent condensation is to have a properly designed roof and ventilation system as well as the correct amount of insulation.  As a homeowner, you can check your attic and check for excessive moisture and subsequent water damage. 

Ice Dams 

An ice dam is a pile of ice that sits at the bottom edge of a roof that is formed when the upper parts of your roof become warmer than the lower sections. This prevents melting snow from draining off of the roof. Similar to condensation, the main causes are inadequate ventilation and insufficient insulation. However, ice dams can also damage your gutters and roof shingles.  The most common problem ice dams can cause is when the water backs up and streams into your house. This can lead to, warped floors and stained ceilings. All of this can then lead to the growth of mold and mildew. If you leave the problem unresolved, the long-term damage can force you to replace your entire roof prematurely due to damage to the wood sub surface of your roof shingles. It is never too late to stop ice dam roof leaks. If you find yourself experiencing this problem, it is best to call in the professionals.

Icicles 

Icicles are caused by gutter problems in the winter. They are formed in similar weather conditions where ice dams are formed.  So if you have an ice dam problem in the winter, most likely you will have icicles as well. When the temperature is freezing, yet it is sunny, the snow on your roof will travel down to the roof edge and freeze. Any blockages in your gutter system will cause an overflow of water, which means your gutters are potentially carrying thousands of pounds of water and ice. The repeated process will create icicles dangerously hanging down above their surroundings. Not only is it a danger to people and pets, but the excessive weight of the icicles can damage your roof and gutters. The way to prevent icicles from forming is by keeping your gutters clean. Contact a professional to help you maintain your gutters and make sure none of these problems will damage your roof.

Flashing leaks  

Roof flashing is made with aluminum elements that you can find around vents, pipes, and roof edges. The function of roof flashing is to be the bridge between roofing materials and other parts of the surface to keep moisture out. In certain areas, they are also designed to direct the flow of water to prevent water damage. Even though flashing is an important part of your roof, it can be vulnerable during the winter. Leaky flashing can be caused when the roof flashing is bent, broken, or missing. You can do your own visual inspection on your roof to spot the flashing for cracks or decay. Whether you can find the source of the problem or not, it is always better to call a professional once you see water damage appearing in your home. 

Overhanging Trees 

Snow on your tree branches can look so beautiful in the winter; however, it can be a winter hazard.  Branches breaking from the weight of snow, then falling onto your roof  will easily reduce the lifespan of your roof or even cause instant roof damage. This can also be very dangerous to the people in your home.  The best way to prevent this type of problem is to make sure that your trees are trimmed accordingly. 

Fortified Roofing is Ready For Your Winter Roofing Problem

In the winter, there are many things that you need to be aware of to make sure that your home is ready to face the natural forces of mother nature.  It is common for homeowners to face roofing problems in the winter as the weather can be quite damaging.  If you happen to have roofing problems during the winter, contact Fortified Roofing, your #1 Roofer in Cherry Hill, NJ. We provide high-quality materials and excellent workmanship to ensure that your home has a roof that will protect you and your family anytime; especially during the winter. If you see signs of roof damage, don’t hesitate to call us, and we will schedule your roof inspection right away!