Winter can be especially harsh on a house's roof, and it’s
almost never a good idea to simply wait for spring before addressing the issues
that the presence of snow and ice on your roof can cause. Five of the
main winter roof damage problems that homeowners should be
aware of are listed below, along with some advice on how to best manage them.
1. Ice Dam Formation
When warm air rises from your heated living spaces, it warms
the shingles of your roof and the snow that covers it. This leads to snow
melting and dripping down to the colder edges of the roof where it refreezes as
ice. Once the ice grows thick enough, it backs up further snow-melt behind it,
causing water to seep under the shingles, and eventually into your home through
leakage points. Leaks are made the more likely when backed up water freezes and
thaws, working its way into nooks and crannies and expanding them. The number
one way to prevent an ice dam is by insulating and ventilating your attic, but you can also
lower the risk by cleaning out gutters and downspouts in late fall and using a
roof rake to remove snow from the roof's edges. You can also install heat trace
cables in the gutters to keep melting snow flowing, thus preventing backups.
2. Icicle Formation
Icicles often result from the same kinds of conditions that
cause ice damming. While they may seem harmless, they can actually damage
shingles and gutters as well as break and fall on those walking below.
Eliminating roof-top air leaks and better insulation will reduce icicles as
much as ice dams, but you can also carefully dislodge them with your
long-handled roof rake or by climbing up near them with a ladder. Be sure the
ladder is securely footed, not on ice, and never walk on an icy roof.
3. Attic Condensation Problems
When your roof is suffering from winter build-up, especially
ice dams, there is a good chance that, just below the roof, your attic ceiling
will have excessive condensation. Moisture build-up is no minor matter since
this can lead to wood-rot and mold. Again, proper ventilation is the answer.
However, in this case, it is crucial to plug any leaks in the insulation on the
attic floor where moist air from below might enter. Furthermore, appliances,
plumbing, dehumidifiers, and other devices can cause excess moisture build-up
if malfunctioning.
4. Heavy Rooftop Snow Loads
Different roofs are designed to handle different weight
loads, and if too much ice and snow accumulates on top of your house, the risk
of roof collapse is very real. Wet snow is especially heavy, but large drifts
of even lighter snow can exert significant pressures. Sometimes, poor roof
drainage and/or poor construction can make the situation worse and lead to an
over-stressed roof that begins to creak, leak, and cause ceiling sagging. This
is a serious situation, so you should not delay in calling in the professionals
when you see or hear the tell-tale signs.
5. Making Existing Problems Worse
Besides causing new problems, snow load and the freeze/thaw
cycle can further loosen already unsecured roof flashing, dislodge shaky
shingles, and pry open gutter seams where caulk has already broken. For this
reason, it is a good idea to have a roof inspection and maintenance job done before
the winter season begins.
These five problems can affect every homeowner's roof during
the winter. Taking time to care for your roof just before, during, and
immediately following the harsh treatment it receives in the cold season will
protect your investment in your home by preventing severe winter roof damage,
thereby delaying the need for a new roof, minimizing roof repairs, and avoiding
costly leaks.
www.inspectitall.ca
1-306-540-6832
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