Reasons for Roof Damage During Winter Months
When people think of roof damage they tend to immediately think of server spring storms that include tornadoes and hail. However, during the winter months roof damage can occur. It occurs more in northern cities like Easter Washington, near the Canadian border. In this blog entry we will outline some of the common causes of roof damage that winter can bring.
Wintry Mix Build Up
Throughout a winter, snow and ice can build up on your roof. When snow and ice buildup, your house cannot heat properly. A professional contractor can install a ventilation system in your attic which will help keep your homes heating system working effectively. On top of that, the wintery mix can hurt to your shingles. The constant weight on the roof’s shingles trusses can cause major problems. Trusses, simply put are your roof’s skeleton system. With that in mind, you can only imagine when trusses becomes weak you’re entire roof is at risk. After the wintry precipitation melts off, it is strongly recommended you have a roofing contractor come out and inspect your roof. for any structural damage. They should check every piece of your roof, from the shingles to the trusses.
Ice Damming
Ice damming is another problem that the long winter months can bring to your roof. Ice damming is when ice accumulates along your roof’s ridges and in your gutters. Since the water cannot melt, it cannot properly drain; and when the temperate does rise above freezing the ice will slowly starts to melt; the remaining ice causes an ice dam. An ice dam will cause your roof to hold water in certain areas. This water will slowly soak underneath your shingles causing them to become weak. Once they are weak you’re a serious risk for water damage. There are ways to avoid ice damming. Whenever your roofs outer edge starts to accumulate snow and ice take a “roof rake” and remove the wintry precipitation. Be sure to remove all ice and snow from your gutters as well. A small handle shovel works well for this. Please do this with caution and if you have someone to help you, that is recommended.
In Conclusion
There’s no way to totally avoid that potential damage winter can bring to your roof. However, there are ways to prevent several natural causes of winter roof damage.
These tips were brought to you by a Dallas Roofing Company. Check out their Google + Page
4100 Spring Valley Road, #600
Dallas, TX 75244
