It is past groundhogs day. Finally. This means winter should be coming to an end in the foreseeable future. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Unfortunately, this means that the winter weather has taken a toll on your home already. In particular, your roof has probably had a rough time. Between ice dams, hail, icicles, condensations, and wind, your home can take a beating.Advanced Roofing & Siding has been serving Minnesota for 18 years. We have seen our fair share of damage done by the harsh winters. If you think you have winter roof problems, give us a call. We will help you locate the problem and come up with a solution. We can help with ice dam removal, roof repair, or anything in between.
Causes of Damage
1. Ice Dam
People in many parts of the country have no idea what an ice dam is, or why you would need ice dam removal. Minnesotans, however, know ice dams all too well.
When warm air comes up from your home and heats the shingles, it causes the snow to melt and drip down to the edge of the roof. The cold weather refreezes this melted snow, creating an ice buildup, which backs up the snow onto the roof. This buildup ultimately causes water to collect under the shingles and then drip into your home. As this buildup thaws and refreezes, water gets into your home wherever it can.
Also Read: Signs of Roof Damage
To prevent severe damage from ice dams, ensure your attic is well insulated and ventilated. Also, take time to clean out your gutters and downspouts before the snow starts building up. For extreme cases, there are heat trace cables you can install in the gutters to ensure the melted snow flows freely from your roof
2. Icicles
Icicles form in similar ways to ice dams. Many people love looking at icicles and are often fascinated with their beauty. However, these beauties can cause serious harm to your home. Beyond the hazard they pose to a passerby, they can damage your gutters and shingles.
If you want to prevent dangerous icicles from forming, make an effort to eliminate air leaks on your roof. Also, better insulation will prevent icicles and ice dams from forming.
If they have already formed, it is possible to remove them from your home. Making sure you leave as much clearance as possible, use a long-handled rake or shovel to displace the icicles carefully. You can also climb up to the edge of the roof using a ladder. Never walk on a roof that is icy, and make sure that the ladder has secure footing.
3. Attic Condensation
If you have ice dams forming on your roof, it is highly likely that condensation is forming in your attic ceiling. Moisture buildup, though it can seem minor, can cause significant damage. If you do not adequately deal with moisture, mold and wood rot will most likely occur.
Proper ventilation is vital to prevent condensation from being a severe problem. Do you see a trend here? Ventilation is the key to your roof’s health. Beyond ensuring there is adequate ventilation, it is crucial you stop any leaks you find right away.
Also Read: Winter Has Come: How to Avoid Roofing Storm Chasers
Look for leaks from the roof, as well as from the floor where moist air from your home enters the attic. Also, double check that all of your appliances are working correctly. If there are any malfunctions, excess moisture can accumulate.
5. Snow on Rooftops
Not all roofs are created equally. Some are built to encourage snow sliding off, while others can handle a higher amount of weight from snow buildup. Plus, different kinds of snow weigh different amounts. Wet snow is very heavy and can create a weight problem quickly. But even dry snow can lead to problems with enough accumulation.
There is not much you can do to prevent damage from snow drifts on your roof. However, if you notice leaking, creaking, or sagging, you will want to call a professional immediately. This amount of snow can make a dire situation that you should not attempt to deal with on your own.
6. Hail
Though not as common a winter problem as snow and ice dams, hail still poses a substantial risk. Hailstorms are incredibly destructive. The amount of damage depends on the force of the wind, the size of the hail, the style and construction of your roof, and if any barriers slow down the hail before impact.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent hail damage to your roof. If you have large trees to block the hail that can be helpful, but clearly most homeowners can’t go out and plant large, fully-mature trees.
Also Read: Shingles Happen: Step-by-Step How to Repair a Roof Shingle
You will want to examine your roof thoroughly after a hailstorm. Look for visible signs of damage on asphalt shingles, like discoloration in scattered places, loss of granules that expose the felt, shiny asphalt, or soft spots. If you have wood shingles, look for random damage spots, splits in the shingles that create sharp corners, discoloration, or dents.
If you notice any of these signs, you will want to call a professional right away. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need repairs immediately to ensure the roof’s safety.
Call the Professionals at Advanced Roofing & Siding
Advanced Roofing & Siding has been providing roof repair, replacement, and siding installation services for 18 years in Minnesota. Our customers are important to us, as well as the integrity of their homes. We will work tirelessly to restore everything back to perfect condition.
We are a family-run business, and our ties run back three generations. You can believe us when we say your trust is essential to us because this is more than business. This is our family.
We rely on referrals from our customers, so we are focused on excellence and customer satisfaction. We are experts in our field and can tackle any problem from ice dam removal to roof replacement. We’re the ones to call.
If you have noticed any of these problems from winter weather, give us a call. If you have seen leaking, creaking, sagging, or snow build up on your house, we can help. Give the professionals at Advanced Siding & Roofing a chance to treat you like family.