Everybody loves waking up to a winter wonderland with a perfect morning snowfall; but with snow comes roof problems. Winters can be harsh, and although your roof is built to stand up to inclement weather, it may need a bit of extra TLC to prevent major damage. If you think your roof might need a closer inspection from professionals, call Polaris Roofing Systems at (928) 699-4840 today.
During the wintertime, we regularly see roofing problems in many homes. Let’s take a quick look at the most common problems and some easy ways to fix them.
1. Roof Ice Dams
Probably the most noticeable of problems, roof ice dams can look beautiful to the onlooker, adding charming winter icicles to your home exterior. However, underneath the charm, ice dams can cause significant damage. The excessive weight of the frozen water can, over time, destroy shingles and cause roof sagging.
Ice dams can result in standing water trapped on the roof that can leak through the shingles into your home interior. This can damage floors, ceilings, insulation and walls – all requiring extensive and costly repairs.
2. Blocked Attic Vents
Vents in your home encourage continuous airflow. This airflow reduces condensation, which, in winter, means less snow build-up and ice on your roof. During the winter months, snow and ice can block attic vents, impeding airflow throughout your home. Cleaning your vents regularly will ensure consistent airflow and guarantee that your vents are fully functioning throughout the winter.
3. Leaks around the Flashing
Your roof’s flashing is made up of metal strips fixed around the corners, edges, and ridges of the roof to form a weather-tight barrier where the shingles do not tightly fit together. Flashings are vital to the waterproof integrity of your roof. Regular inspection twice a year is an excellent idea to catch and repair any flaws or weak spots before they cause damage. Flashings can be particularly vulnerable to damage in winter due to the repeating freeze-thaw action of moisture surrounding them.
4. Freezing Gutters
Debris left in gutters will trap any water or melting snow. If left to sit, these fragments can refreeze with the debris resulting in a sludgy frozen build up. Aside from causing further blockages, the extra weight of the debris can eventually lead to your gutter pulling away from the wall under the strain. This can cause leaks, overflows, and damage to your gutter system. Cleaning your gutters before winter sets in is an easy way to prevent and remove any roof problems associated with blocked gutters.
5. Cracked or Lifted Shingles
Winter is not only snow season but also storm season. High winds and falling branches can lead to roof problems such as cracked, broken or lifted roof shingles. This damage can leave the area underneath exposed to the elements and prone to water damage.
As there is likely to be a layer of snow on your roof during the winter, it can be more difficult to spot any damaged tiles or vulnerable areas. Regular and careful snow removal with a snow rake can improve this problem by exposing the shingles underneath and revealing weak spots that need repairing.
A functioning roof makes for a cozy home in the winter and sometimes repairing the roof is a job for the professionals. A professional roofing company will safely and effectively tend to any repairs. Shingle replacements, repairs to the flashing, chimney re-caulking and resealing of vents are all jobs that require a professional touch. If you think your roof requires any of these repairs, give Polaris Roofing Systems a call. Call Now – (928) 699-4840 !