Ways That Snow Can Damage Your Roof and What to Do About It

Seasonal weather damage can impact a roofing installation in numerous ways. From expansion during a freeze to ice dams and hail damage, winter weather and colder temperatures can pose a significant risk to your roof.

Expansion Damage

Water is a unique substance in that as it freezes it actually expands to take up more volume. During a hard freeze, even trace amounts of moisture can cause extensive damage. Ice that forms underneath shingles as well as any water and moisture that has managed to work its way between or around other roofing materials and components can be a more serious issue than many homeowners might realize.

Compression

The sheer weight of heavy snowfall can often be enough to warp and deform roofing materials. Under the right conditions, the prolonged buildup created during a heavy storm or snow that is mixed with ice can remain on rooftops for days or even weeks meaning that successive snowstorms will only increase the amount of compression that your roof experiences. Professional service provides that offer snow removal, roof repair as well as inspection and maintenance services often play a key role in mitigating the risks associated with heavy snowfall, ice, and winter precipitation.

Ice Dams

A buildup of ice within a rooftop gutter is another problem that could end up causing damage. Blocked gutters obscure the flow of rain or melt-water and even a small blockage can eventually grow into a substantial accumulation of ice. Inspecting your gutters and keeping them free of ice and other debris can be an important part of your seasonal maintenance and upkeep efforts.

Hail Damage

Hailstones are notorious for the amount of damage they are able to cause to roofing materials and installations. Typically associated with heavy thunderstorms and more extreme weather, hail can fall year-round although hail that is mixed in with other winter precipitation can often go unnoticed. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover some or even all of the damage caused by hail so calling in the professionals and arranging to have your roof inspected as soon as possible following a hailstorm should always be a top priority.

Protecting your home and roof from damages caused by snow, ice or even hail is never a concern that should be taken lightly. Routine upkeep, annual inspections, and quick repairs in the event that your roof is damaged by winter weather can all go a long way towards ensuring that your roof lasts as long as possible.