How Snow And Ice Impact Your Roof
When the weather changes and the holiday music begins…everyone wants a “White Christmas” until the snow and ice start piling on the roof, and you hear the telltale dripping of something leaking…somewhere…
As fun as it is to play in the snow, we Ohioans know that it can be a dangerous time of year for accidents and damage. One of the ways you might not think about is how snow and ice impact your roof during the winter season. It can cause a lot more damage than you think, and you might not even notice it until it all melts away!
So before the winter winds start blowing and we have a little longer to prepare, let's talk about how snow and ice impact your roof and ways to protect it as best you can!
Stress From Snow And Ice
When a roof is in healthy condition, it can withstand about 4 feet of heavy snowfall before becoming worrisome. However, if your roof is old, has unresolved storm damage, or hasn’t been inspected for stability, it might not be able to hold as much.
Stress on the roof can cause it to bow, leak, crack or even cave in weaker spots. It’s important to have your roof inspected by professionals (like us!) prior to the winter season to see if there are any potential problems that could lead to catastrophic damage from the snow and ice.
Ice Dams
Some of the snow on your roof is going to melt from the heat inside your home, and what happens when it does? It flows down into the gutters and freezes again before it can drain out. This accumulation of what is called an ice dam.
This accumulation can become so heavy that it could literally take down a gutter system, your eaves, awnings, or shingles.
To ensure that this doesn’t happen, make sure your roof is properly ventilated so that the warm air that gets trapped in your attic has somewhere to escape, clean your gutters after the fall to remove any debris that could clog it up, and call a professional to help bust up the ice and clean your roof if it becomes too overwhelming.
Freeze, Thaw, Repeat
You know how the weather in Parma, Ohio goes. One morning it looks like the Arctic Tundra outside, and a few hours later, it looks like we are living in the South! The constant freeze and thaw of snow and ice cause your roof to expand and contract…when that happens, cracks can form, shingles can become displaced, and water can start making its way underneath the protective outer layer.
Water can also make its way through sunlight and improperly sealed vents or chimneys.
These small cracks and leaks can wreak havoc on your roof’s structural system and eventually make their way into your home, causing pooling water in the ceilings, leaks, and mold.
If you suspect water damage inside your home (wet spots, dripping, moisture collecting, discoloration of ceiling or walls), it is imperative that you call your professional roofing company as soon as possible.
They can stop the issue in its tracks and minimize the damage done to your roof and home.
Don’t Let Snow And Ice Impact Your Roof - Partner With Robinhood Roofing Today!
If you are concerned about how snow and ice impact your roof during the winter season, it’s time to schedule a professional commercial or residential roofing inspection today!
To learn more about our roofing company, continue to read the helpful articles on our blog page, like our most recent one, which discusses metal roofing vs. shingle roofing, follow us on social media or contact us with any questions!
