...

7 Common Winter Roof Damage Issues Homeowners Need to Know

Winter doesn’t just bring uncomfortably cold weather. It also brings the possibility of roof damage, which can allow water to seep into and damage the roof and other parts of your home. Water damage can be an expensive, messy problem to deal with. If you want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these issues, you should pay attention to these seven common winter roof damage issues.  

Can Snow Damage Your Roof?

Heavy rainfall isn’t the only form of precipitation that can damage your roof. Snow can pile onto your roof, leading to frozen water and gutter problems. If you don’t mitigate these issues, your roof and home may suffer the consequences of water damage. 

7 Common Winter Roof Damage Issues

1. Ice Dams

The warm air that rises near your roof can start melting snow that’s piling up. However, when water trickles down, it may encounter cold edges and areas of the roof that may freeze it. Eventually, this frozen build-up can form an ice dam that blocks the drainage system (the gutters), which means water will get backed up onto the roof. Water can eventually back up to the point that it begins leaking into your home, causing damage. 

2. Icicle Formation

Icicles can form for the same reasons as ice dams. While they don’t cause water to back up on your roof, icicle formation still poses a problem for shingles and gutters. Large icicles can also be a hazard for anyone walking or standing below them. 

You can clear icicles from the roof and gutters safely with a roof rake. Use a ladder if the roof is hard to reach—just make sure you have it set up on the solid ground. 

3. Attic Condensation

As snow piles on the roof, your attic may suffer excessive condensation. Excessive condensation can lead to wood rot and mold, both major problems for the attic. Properly ventilating your attic can help negate excessive condensation, but you’ll also need to take care of any leaks in the insulation as well. 

4. Leaks and Damage

No matter what causes your roof to leak, water can get into the interior of your home and cause massive damage. It only takes about 48 hours for mold to grow, and wood rot can lead to several structural problems. Water can also leak into the foundation of your home, forming cracks that affect structural integrity. 

If you notice water damage or leaks in your home, call a professional water damage restoration company

5. Heavy Rooftop Snow Loads

Snowflakes fall slowly because of how light they are. However, these tiny specks of frozen water can get heavy layer after layer. Eventually, your roof could suffer damage or even collapse under the immense weight. 

If you believe your home is on the verge of collapse or has collapsed, call for professional help. 

6. Exhaust Fans

The exhaust fans in your bathroom don’t typically lead to the outside. Most of the time, they lead to the attic. This could be a problem for your attic. As warm air enters, condensation can form and turn to ice during winter. Then it can drip down, appearing to be a roof leak. 

7. Hail

Hail storms don’t often occur during winter, but when they do, they can wreak havoc on your roof. The larger the hail and the force of the wind, the more damage your roof and home will suffer. 

Following a hail storm, you should inspect your roof for damage. If you believe there’s damage, call a professional water damage restoration company

Bonus: Making Existing Problems Worse

If your roof is already damaged, winter snow and ice will often make the problem worse. When snow freezes and thaws over and over, it can loosen unsecured roof flashings, displace shingles, and loosen open gutter seams. 

Get a roof inspection before the snow falls to help ensure you can avoid winter roof damage. 

Professional Roof Restoration in New Jersey

You shouldn’t ignore roof damage, especially during winter. The longer you wait to have it repaired, the stronger chance that something will go wrong. Don’t delay—call Northeast Power Dry for 24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Roof Response

Communities in New Jersey should call (848) 217-4742 or contact us online to get started. 

Comments are closed.