Common Types of Winter Roof Damage

Winter is not the best time for your home. It brings with it some challenges that can lead to costly repairs or replacement. Your roof, which bears the brunt of the weather, is especially at risk of damage. If you don’t want to deal with premature roof replacement, learn about winter weather damage and what to do about it.

Ice Dam Formation

Ice dam formation is typically caused by a combination of the heat coming from within your home and the heat coming from the sun. It melts the snow at the top of your roof and the meltwater flows to the edges, where the temperatures are lower. There, it refreezes, forming a dam, which prevents more meltwater from running off into the gutter. Instead, the water backs up and enters your roof from underneath the shingles. Ice can also force tiny crevices in your roof to expand, causing more leaks.

Proper attic ventilation is the best way to deal with ice dams. Prevent your heated indoor air from entering the attic by adding more insulation. It also helps to have an effective gutter guard and gutter heating cables.

Attic Condensation

You might think that your roof is leaking but it could be attic condensation. But any reputable roofer would know that warm air from your heated indoor environment rises up to the attic, hitting the cold roof deck. This leads to the formation of frost or condensation. As the moisture collects, it can drip and cause all sorts of problems. It can cause your attic insulation to clump, rendering it useless. It can start wood rot and mold and mildew growth. 

This is why you should never cover your attic vents during winter. Proper ventilation allows warm air to escape. It’s also important to have plenty of attic insulation, but make sure no blown-in insulation is covering the vents.

Water Pooling

Water can pool on several areas of your roof. Given enough time, this water can find the smallest crevices and start damaging your roof. If that water freezes, those tiny crevices and cracks will expand and sometimes even break.

Make sure your roof underlayment is providing ample resistance to water to protect the roof deck. It’s also important to have your shingles inspected before the winter season.

To prevent winter roof damage, hire a reputable roofing company and have them perform regular maintenance on your roofing system. Get in touch with Right Angle Roofing & Siding. Call us today at 631-849-8988 or tell us about your roofing concerns here.