When the weather changes as we move from one season to the next, it affects your roof in more ways than one. One of the most intense seasons for your roof is winter.
During the winter, the weather conditions can be frigid, which is already rough on your shingles. Add potentially high winds and snow, and you’ve got an easy recipe for roof damage.
This article will go over how winter weather affects your roof and different ways you can remedy these effects.
Winter Conditions and Your Roof
The following section outlines the different ways winter weather can have an impact on the condition of your roof.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice might play the most significant role when it comes to your roof during the winter. Both of these can cause significant stress to your roof’s load-bearing capacity.
If snow and ice are causing too much weight and pressure on your roof, there are a few indicators that will warn you first. You may notice your roof beginning to bow or sag in certain areas. In severe cases, parts of the roof may even begin to crack.
Using de-icer and taking preemptive measures can provide relief from heavy precipitation on your roof.
Wind Damage
Many people may not think of wind damage when they list potentially damaging conditions for the winter. However, wind can play a huge role in the overall health of your roof.
High winds can lead to broken and missing shingles, which will ultimately lead to leaking. If your area has issues with high wind, you should look towards higher-quality shingles or even a metal roof.
Ice Damming
Ice damming takes place when the snow and ice melt on your roof and refreezes. Initially, you may feel like this meltage is a positive thing. However, when temperatures drop back to the freezing mark, this water can refreeze near your gutters and edges of your roof.
This can cause significant weight on your roof and lead to caving and other damage. One of the best ways to combat this is to purchase a better gutter system that will efficiently channel the melted ice off of your roof.
Winer weather can certainly wreak havoc on your roof, regardless of the area you live in. However, with some preventative maintenance and proper attention, you can combat these treacherous conditions during the cold season.
