3 Ways Snow and Ice Can Damage Your Roof: Winter Preparedness Strategy

The winter season is upon us and we all know what that means: snow. Lots of it. But, how does snow and ice damage your roof? Roofing companies should be prepared for the worst this year as Tennessee could see a lot of these types of storms in the coming months. Snow can cause major issues with your roof such as leaks, water seepage, or even melting on top which will lead to more issues like mold spores growing throughout your home’s interior.

Too often, we see that homeowners or commercial property owners wait until the winter months to have an inspection of their roofs. Don’t wait until a storm or disaster happens before giving Roofing Renovations a call to come and inspect your roof. Be prepared this winter and understand the effects that the harsh weather could have on your property. We’re going to go over 3 ways that snow and ice can damage your roof so you are fully prepared!

It’s More Than Just About The Looks

While snow and ice can be beautiful and scenic, it also can be very hazardous. The reality of it is that the snow, rain, ice, and wind can have harmful effects to your room. If you think of it, a roof is one of the most valuable assets to a home. In the winter time, it keeps you nice and warm and safe from the hard cold weather outside. At the same time, your roof bears the brunt of the harsh weather.

We have compiled in this article some of our best winter roofing tips to prepare you this season:

#1 Ice Dams

This winter is not the time to go without a roof. The winter cold can be a dangerous time for your roof. With many freeze-thaw cycles, water leaks from the attic and shingles are prone to cracks that could lead to more serious problems such as ceilings caving.

The last thing any homeowner wants is an ice bucket brigade. This is when freezing rain melts into our roofs, and it creates giant icicles called “ice dams” which leads us down vicious cycle of repair work at hand – repairing not just their exterior surfaces but also inner layers like gutters where accumulated moisture has caused rot; we’re talking expensive repairs if left unchecked.

Make sure your attic is well-ventilated to avoid too much heat buildup. It also ensures that you keep the warmth in, and not out!

#2 An Overload Of Snow On Your Roof

The weight of snow can be a tremendous strain on roofs, leading to damage. One cubic foot typically weighs around 20 pounds and when it melts into ice this number increases up 60 lbs! The increased load may cause compression fractures which will result in leaks or other structural issues with your home’s decking area as well.

The force from these accumulating layers creates pressure points where there were none before – creating potential weaknesses that allow water seepage under the shingle surface.

It is very crucial to remove the snow from your roof as soon as possible. After a storm, as well as all throughout the winter season, make sure that you are completing an inspection of your roof to look for any signs of leaks or damages that could be potential issues.

#3 Thermal Shock

We know that Tennessee winter temperatures constantly fluctuate. It’s important to remember this because your roof could suffer from these repeated temperature extremes. As the temperatures rise in the daytime, this heats your roof back up, allowing more snow to melt as it thaws the surface. Then, as night falls again, the temperatures will drop back down again. This fluctuation, overtime, can cause your roof to become weak and in-return deteriorate.

As this is occurring on the outside, you also need to be mindful of the inside, underneath your roof – the attic. With these temperatures fluctuating on the roof, it can cause condensation within your attic, which can lead to mold and wood rot.

By keeping the snow removed from your roof as much as possible and having regular inspections, you and your roof can be prepared this winter. You want to make sure that you are having your roof inspected at least once or twice a year to ensure that it is weather-ready for anything that may come its way. Give Roofing Renovations a call this season, and go into winter protected 615.556.0457.