As winter settles in, many homeowners begin to notice the toll that harsh weather can take on their roofs. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can lead to various types of damage that may not be immediately visible. It is necessary to know the signs of roof damage and act on them as early as possible to ensure the safety and integrity of your home. In this blog post, we will discuss seven critical signs of winter roof damage from snow and what can be done to fix them.
Understanding Roof Damage in Winter
With snow, chilly wind, and below-freezing temperatures, winter can take a serious toll on your roof. Issues like ice dam blockage, improper drainage, and built-up snow can weaken your roof and increase the risk of roof leaks. Heavy snow can add extra weight to your roof, which can strain the structure and loosen the roofing shingles.
Cracking in roofing materials can also occur from freeze-thaw cycles, and their durability decreases. Winter winds are capable of dislodging shingles and flashing from rooftops. When shingles or flashing get dislodged, the roof becomes exposed to cold air and moisture. This exposure can lead to further damage.
However, you can keep the structure of your roof strong with timely inspections and regular maintenance.
Sign #1. Ice Dams
When the snow on your roof melts due to the heat released from your attic, Ice dams are formed near the eaves of your roof. Due to this barrier of ice, water cannot drain into the gutters, causing it to back up under the shingles. If this problem isn’t fixed early, ice dams will lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.
Immediate Solutions:
Carefully remove ice dams using a roof rake or calcium chloride ice melt. Do not chip them with sharp objects because it can damage your roofing shingles and gutters.
Long-Term Prevention:
Adding better ventilation and insulation systems in your attic will decrease the possibility of ice dam formation on your roof and maintain its structural integrity.
Sign #2. Leaky Roof
If you notice any water stains on your ceilings or walls, hear a dripping noise, or smell the musty smell in your attic, your home is likely suffering from a roof leak. These leaks are often due to roof damage, heavy snow, or ice dams on your roof, which allow the water to seep through and into the attic space.
Short-Term Fix:
Use roofing tar or tape to patch the leak to minimize water damage until a professional inspects the roof.
Permanent Solution:
Replace damaged shingles, underlayment, or flashing and seal any exposed areas. But remember to hire a professional roofing contractor for a safe and thorough repair.
Sign #3. Cracked or Missing Shingles
After storms or heavy wind, inspect your roof for any cracked, curled, or missing shingles. These issues expose your roof to further water damage and reduce its overall durability. Damaged shingles are also more susceptible to snow damage and ice infiltration.
DIY Repair:
Replace individual damaged shingles by lifting the surrounding shingles, removing the nails, and sliding a new shingle into place. Secure it with roofing nails and sealant.
Professional Help:
If a significant portion of the shingles is damaged, it’s best to seek professional assistance. A partial or full roof replacement might be necessary for extensive wear.
Sign #4. Sagging Roof
Excessive snow damage and ice accumulation can cause a sagging roof and damage the structure of your roof. Areas that dip or bow inward should be looked for, as this indicates stress on the roof’s support system. If not promptly addressed, sagging that lasts for a long time can cause structures to collapse.
Immediate Actions:
Use a roof rake to safely remove some excess snow and lighten the weight on the roof. A sagging roof should not be climbed onto as it may not be able to support any extra weight.
Long-Term Solutions:
Add support beams or replace weak trusses and rafters to strengthen the roof’s structure for a long-term solution. A structural engineer or a roofing specialist should be engaged, as underlying issues need to be evaluated and addressed by an expert.
Sign #5. Clogged Gutters
Ice and debris buildup in gutters can prevent proper drainage, leading to water overflow and damage to your roof’s edge. Clogged gutters can also contribute to the formation of ice dams, exacerbating roof issues during winter.
Quick Fix:
Use a gutter scoop to remove snow from the gutter or use ice melt products to remove frozen blockages and save your gutters from any snow damage. While doing this, make sure the downspouts are free of obstructions for an effective water flow.
Prevention:
Install gutter guards to minimize debris buildup and schedule regular maintenance to keep gutters clear throughout the year, especially before winter.
Sign #6. Flashing Damage
Flashing, which helps seal the roof edges, vents, and chimneys can get damaged during winter storms. Issues like visible gaps or rust on sections of flashing can lead to leaks and water damage.
Temporary Repair:
Apply roofing cement to seal small gaps or secure loose flashing until you seek professional help from any roofing contractor. You also need to make sure that the area is clean and dry before its application.
Permanent Solution:
Replace the damaged or missing flashing with new material and ensure it’s properly secured with nails or screws. Reapply sealant to all edges for a watertight finish.
Sign #7. Moisture Buildup in the Attic
Due to poor ventilation and insulation, moisture in the attic can lead to mold growth and major issues for your home. However, these issues not only affect the roof but also the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of your home.
Short-Term Fix:
Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels inside the attic and address immediate issues. Check for and seal any air leaks from the living space below.
Long-Term Prevention:
Improving ventilation can be a huge step towards a safer and damage-free roof in the winter. You can install ridge vents or attic fans for better air circulation inside your attic. You can also upgrade insulation to maintain a balance between indoor and outdoor temperatures, reducing condensation.
Proactive Tips for Winter Roof Maintenance
The following are some additional ways you can keep your roof safe from damage in winter.
Regular Inspections:
Always remember to inspect your roof before and after severe weather to identify any potential storm damage.
Keep Gutters Clean:
To maintain a healthy gutter system, remove the clogged snow and accumulated debris. This will keep your gutters clean and your roof safe from any water damage.
Trim Overhanging Branches:
Even though it is nice to have greenery around your house, it is recommended to trim tree branches near your home to eliminate any risk of branches falling on your roof.
Schedule Professional Inspections:
An annual inspection by a roofing expert will help you identify and address minor issues before they turn into major problems.
Call Us For More Information
As we know, fixing winter roof damage from snow can be difficult for both homeowners and professionals due to the chilly weather and heavy snow. But if you can identify and fix roofing problems before the arrival of winter, you can enjoy the season inside your cozy home with your family. But you must remember that fixing a problem by yourself isn’t the safest option, so always hire a professional roofing contractor to repair your roof.
For professional help, call Prestige Roofing LLC at (920) 791-0414 and our experienced roofers will be happy to address your roof damage.
