The changing seasons affect your home just as much as it affects your body. As your body tenses up with the cold, so does your home, especially your roof. To keep your roof in good shape for many years to come, it helps to understand how snow and ice affect your roof’s structural integrity.
Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when the warm air seeping from the edges of your roof causes the snow near your gutters to melt. The melted ice then refreezes, causes a barrier (also known as a dam), and forms ice around your roof. The ice dam that forms can prevent water and snow from leaving your roof and lead to issues that can destroy your roof.
Wind Damage
Another way winter weather affects your roof is wind damage. Some of the strongest windstorms occur during the winter months. These windstorms often lead to loose, broken, or missing shingles. When your roof’s shingles are damaged or removed, it can lead to a variety of other problems inside your home. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy winds, be sure to invest in high-quality shingles that can handle wind speeds up to 110 mph.
Attic Condensation
Winter weather conditions can lead to attic condensation. When things such as ice damming and heavy snow buildup occur on your roof, the warm air rising through your home will rise to your cold roof deck in your attic and create moisture. This moisture can lead to mold and affect the health of household members. You can combat this by installing metal roofing or by updating your roof’s venting system.
Snow, Ice, and Water Stress
There are three elements that affect and add stress to your roof in the winter — snow, ice, and water. Snow can pile up several feet thick and lead to a weight that is too heavy for the load-bearing capacity of your roof. This added weight can cause cracks above windows and doors, a bowed ceiling, and even roof collapse. Ice and water can lead to ice dams, leaks, and more. Contact a reputable roofing company in MD if you suspect that your roof is suffering from snow, ice, or water stress.
Here to Protect Your Roof This Winter
The experts at The Home Wise Pros are here for your roof throughout the winter. No matter if you need a roof replacement, roof repair, or gutter replacement, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
