Be Prepared: The Most Common Winter Roofing Problems

There is no denying it: snow is on the way. That means winter tires, turning on your heating system, and making sure your roof is ready for anything. While most of us remember to drag the snow shovel out of the garage and turn on the fireplace, many of us do not put quite as much thought into the safety of our roofing systems. Winter is one of the most difficult times for your roof. Thanks to all of the heavy winds, snow fall, hail, and below freezing temperatures, your roofing materials can take quite a beating. That often leads to serious problems. So, be prepared! The more you know about common roof concerns, the better. You can take preventative measures before they happen - or keep an eye out when the winter weather hits.
Wondering what the most common winter roofing problems are? The first is condensation. While your may be busy worrying about water leaks, condensation occurs far more frequently. How does it happen? When a cold surface and warm air meet, this forms condensation. (Just think of a cold beverage on a warm summer night!) This can be a problem for homeowners. When the cold surface of your attic meets the warm air blowing through your home, it can cause condensation to form. That often results in mold and mildew. This isn't just an annoyance. Mold in your home can cause health problems and weaken the structure of your roofing system. To prevent it from happening, focus on ventilation. Before winter weather really gets underway, ensure that your attic is properly ventilated. You can do this by checking that all vents are clear and free from built-up dirt and debris.... inside and out.
Another common roofing problem in winter has to be icicles. They may look pretty from afar but they can actually do a lot of damage to your roof. Icicles typically form on days that are sunny but cold. The sheer weight of the icicles can cause your roof to weaken or impact the safety of your gutters. To prevent this from happening to your roof, make sure your gutters are clean. They need to be free of build up, like leaves, dirt, tree branches, and anything else that can cause dangerous blockages. Regular gutter maintenance is a must if you want to avoid icicle damage this season.
There is one more roofing problem left to uncover. What is it? Ice damming, of course. This can happen when ice and water accumulate underneath your asphalt shingles. Melting snow from the top portion of your roof can flow down to the bottom portion and re-freeze. This in turn causes the ice dam. It creates pools of water that can leak inside your home or basement. You probably don't want to spend the winter months dealing with water leaks inside your house.... so do what you can to reduce the likelihood of it happening. Ensure that your roofing system has been properly insulated with quality products, that your attic is well ventilated, and your roofing materials are in good condition.
There are many common roofing problems during the winter months. However, with a little preparation and some attention to detail - they don't have to derail your holiday season. Focus on performing regular maintenance and inspections. A little goes a long way!
Joe Davis understands the most common roofing problems in winter. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.