Common Winter Roofing Problems

Windham County Roofer

Common Winter Roofing Problems

The winter weather we experience in New England can be very hard on residential and commercial roofing. A roof can experience a wide variety of problems that could lead to expensive repairs or roof replacement. Here are some of the most common Winter roofing problems to avoid.

 

Ice dams

These occur when the upper layer of an icy roof begins to thaw while the lower portion is still frozen. The melted ice will run down the roof and is cooled again at the lower portion, creating an ice dam. Water will pool behind the ice dam and can leak into your home, or the water can expand and cause further damage.

 

Condensation

Condensation is a matter phase change that happens when a substance changes from a gas to a liquid. Unfortunately, this is a problem common in Connecticut and other New England states when warm air meets a cold surface. To prevent condensation, make sure that your attic is properly ventilated. Without appropriate ventilation, mold can form, and your roof can be damaged.

 

Tree damage

Ice and snowstorms aren’t uncommon weather features in this part of the country. Unfortunately, snow and ice can rest on tree branches and severely weigh them down. The extra weight can cause the tree branches, or even whole trees to collapse and seriously damage your home and roof. A similar effect can come during very windy conditions in the winter. It’s critical that dead tree branches and trees that are too close to your home are cut down before this type of weather begins.

 

Wind

As we mentioned early, wind can have an indirect form of harm to your home by knocking trees down. However, it can also directly damage your roof. Strong winds can cause shingles and flashing to become loose (especially on aged roofs). When loose, your shingles can become dislodged or even blow off entirely. Be sure to specifically look for shingles that have blown off because this problem should be fixed as soon as possible.

 

Icicles

Icicles are extremely dangerous, especially when temperatures begin to warm, and they freefall towards the ground. The last thing you want is for you or your family to be below icicles when they are falling from your roof. It’s important to be proactive by clearing them before they pose an imminent threat. You also don’t want icicles wearing your gutters down, as they can be very heavy.

 

We recommend hiring a professional to perform your home maintenance. Every situation is different, this is meant only as a guide to help inform you of general roofing situations and maintenance. This is not a complete and exhaustive list or statement of every possible scenario and problem that could arise. We will not be held liable for any damage or injury sustained directly or indirectly from the information provided in this or any of our other articles/posts.

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