The winter weather, including strong winds, rain, hail, and snowstorms, massively strains your roofing system, resulting in a range of problems. These issues significantly threaten your safety and your home’s structural integrity. Winter roofing problems can lead to costly repairs and replacements if not addressed early.
Knowing the issues your roof will likely face during the cold season can help avoid more complex roofing concerns while guaranteeing your safety and protecting your finances. Discussed below are four common roofing problems in winter.
1. Ice dams
Ice dams form once heavy snow buildup melts in the day and freezes upon temperatures dropping at night. When the ice dams form, they keep melting snow from draining off your roofing system, forcing water to back up behind them or run over the gutter top to create large icicles on the house sides. The formation of ice dams can lead to shingles lifting, gutters getting torn off, and water leaking into your home. As a result, your attic, drywall, electrical work, and insulation may get damaged.
Also, the dampness can cause dangerous mold growth. If you notice ice dams forming on your roofing, contact professional roofers, including an Orlando Roofing Company, to get the issue fixed immediately. You can also take preventive measures to keep ice dams from forming on your roof, including:
- Ensuring the attic is well-ventilated
- Checking the attic to ensure it’s adequately insulated to ensure heat doesn’t escape through the roof
- Installing water and ice shield membrane when reshingling your roof
2. Attic condensation
Attic condensation occurs in winter and early spring when warm and moist air from your home rises into the attic area. Condensation happens once the warm and moist air reaches the roof deck’s chilly underside. Winter attic condensation mostly becomes frost, which, upon melting, turns into condensation again. This makes your rafters, wood frames, attic insulation, and roof sheathing vulnerable to rot and mold, resulting in more significant issues like roof leaks. Attic condensation may be caused by:
- Poor attic ventilation or insulation
- Water pipe hairline fractures
- Poorly vented dryer and bathroom exhausts routed to your attic
- Putting a dehumidifier in the attic can help fix the issue temporarily. However, hiring a roofing expert can find you a lasting solution.
3. Frozen debris in the gutters
During the winter season, accumulated debris in your gutters can freeze, keeping them from draining correctly through the downspouts. The backlogged water is usually a result of twigs, leaves, bird nests, and other debris in your roofing system. Frozen gutter debris may lead to your gutters loosening, breaking, sagging, or leaking.
Frozen gutters also cause ice dams, which results in your shingles shifting. This lets water seep through, causing structural damage. Keeping your gutters clean, particularly during winter, helps prevent frozen gutter debris. Routine gutter cleaning and care can keep your gutters from clogging while protecting your roofing system from damage.
4. Roof leaks
Winter roof leaks may be a result of the following:
- Damaged shingles
- Condensation
- Clogged gutters
- Ice dams
Since the leaks may arise from various causes, finding the exact cause yourself can be challenging, especially if you’re inexperienced. However, a professional roofing service can help with roof inspection to identify the root cause of the leaks and find an appropriate solution.
Endnote
The winter weather can take a toll on your roofing system, resulting in expensive repairs and replacements. However, understanding the common winter roofing problems can help you take a preventive approach to keep these issues at bay.
