4 Common Winter Roof Problems
While the weather may not indicate winter is coming, it will arrive sooner or later. Now is the time to make sure your roof is ready for the possibility of harsh winter weather. In today's blog, your Lake of the Ozarks roofing company addresses several common winter roof problems you should be aware of.
What happens when warm air meets a cold surface? You get condensation. The same thing happens when warm air rises to your attic and meets the cold roof in the winter months. Without proper insulation, condensation can occur in your attic, leading to mold and mildew issues. To avoid damage to the interior of your home this winter, make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated before the cold weather hits. In addition to preventing condensation, a properly ventilated attic can help control indoor temperatures and save you money on energy costs.
One of the biggest roofing concerns during the winter months is ice dams. An ice dam is the result of an accumulation of ice and water on the roof and under the shingles. They form when the upper areas of a roof are at above-freezing temperatures and the lower-hanging areas are below-freezing. Melting snow and ice runs down the roof and then re-freezes on the edge of the roof and in the gutters. Then water backs up and pools behind the ice dam, causing the possibility of a leak to form. Ice dams can potentially cause major water damage to your home if not addressed early on.
In addition to ice dams, icicles can also form. Icicles are often a result of clogged gutters and downspouts. With nowhere for the roof runoff to go on warmer, sunny days. It pools up at the roofs edge and then refreezes into icicles. These icicles present a danger to both people and pets because they have the potential of breaking off and falling onto whatever is beneath. The weight of icicles can also lead to roofing and gutter damage. Before winter arrives, be sure to clean out your gutters of all debris so the melting snow and ice will have a place to go.
During the winter months, trees can also pose a threat to your home. Under the weight of snow and ice, branches can easily snap and fall onto your roof. In some cases the damage might be minor, but you run the risk of having a branch puncture you roof, creating an opportunity for major leaks and damage inside your home. To protect your home and your family this winter, be sure to trim back trees and branches that come within 6 feet of your roof. This will also help keep critters from trying to seek warmth in your attic.
If you're concerned with how your roof will hold up this winter, or if you're unsure of the condition of your roof, give Above & Beyond Roofing a call to schedule your free roof inspection at the Lake of the Ozarks. We'll be able to let you know if your roof is in good shape or if you should consider some repairs before the snow and ice arrive.
1. Condensation.
What happens when warm air meets a cold surface? You get condensation. The same thing happens when warm air rises to your attic and meets the cold roof in the winter months. Without proper insulation, condensation can occur in your attic, leading to mold and mildew issues. To avoid damage to the interior of your home this winter, make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated before the cold weather hits. In addition to preventing condensation, a properly ventilated attic can help control indoor temperatures and save you money on energy costs.
2. Ice Dams.
One of the biggest roofing concerns during the winter months is ice dams. An ice dam is the result of an accumulation of ice and water on the roof and under the shingles. They form when the upper areas of a roof are at above-freezing temperatures and the lower-hanging areas are below-freezing. Melting snow and ice runs down the roof and then re-freezes on the edge of the roof and in the gutters. Then water backs up and pools behind the ice dam, causing the possibility of a leak to form. Ice dams can potentially cause major water damage to your home if not addressed early on.
3. Icicles.
In addition to ice dams, icicles can also form. Icicles are often a result of clogged gutters and downspouts. With nowhere for the roof runoff to go on warmer, sunny days. It pools up at the roofs edge and then refreezes into icicles. These icicles present a danger to both people and pets because they have the potential of breaking off and falling onto whatever is beneath. The weight of icicles can also lead to roofing and gutter damage. Before winter arrives, be sure to clean out your gutters of all debris so the melting snow and ice will have a place to go.
4. Tree Limbs.
During the winter months, trees can also pose a threat to your home. Under the weight of snow and ice, branches can easily snap and fall onto your roof. In some cases the damage might be minor, but you run the risk of having a branch puncture you roof, creating an opportunity for major leaks and damage inside your home. To protect your home and your family this winter, be sure to trim back trees and branches that come within 6 feet of your roof. This will also help keep critters from trying to seek warmth in your attic.
If you're concerned with how your roof will hold up this winter, or if you're unsure of the condition of your roof, give Above & Beyond Roofing a call to schedule your free roof inspection at the Lake of the Ozarks. We'll be able to let you know if your roof is in good shape or if you should consider some repairs before the snow and ice arrive.
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