The exterior of your house takes a beating every winter, with snow and ice build-up on roofs being a common problem. While heavy accumulations of snow may cause your roof to collapse if the weight is too great. You should be concerned about how much weight you are allowing onto your roof over time, as well as what type of precipitation has accumulated. If you have an older home built before modern waterproofing methods, it might be best to take preventative measures such as bracing and insulation. This will help keep your house safe from weather damage and any additional wear and tear that ice and snow could bring.
Here are several ways snow and ice could impact your home’s roofing
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Ice dams.
Snow and ice are not good for roofs. Snow that melts can seep into your roof’s shingles. These are called ice dams. Ice dams cause the snow to be pushed back against the edge of a house by water vapor in warm air from inside homes. This creates an enormous weight on one side of a home and damages roofs with melting water pooling around siding and rotting wood. Ice dams can be a serious problem because they can cause leaks into attics and ceilings of homes, as well as water damage to the interior.
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A leaking roof.
Snow or ice dams that have built up between shingles may also be what’s causing a leak in your roof. A leaking roof is a significant problem for any homeowner. A leaky roof can lead to water damage inside your house, which could cause structural issues and mold build-up on walls and ceilings and expose you to the risk of electrocution from faulty wiring.
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Freezing and thawing.
The expansion and contraction of ice as it goes through its natural cycle can also cause damage to roofs. This happens when water seeps into roofing materials and then freezes, causing the material to expand. When the ice thaws, it can create cracks in shingles and tiles, making your roof more susceptible to leaks.
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Roof blisters.
Snow and ice can also cause roof blisters, which are bubbles or bumps that form on the surface of a roof. Blisters can be caused by the weight of snow and ice and water seeping in between the layers of roofing material. The best way to prevent damage to your home’s exterior is through regular maintenance. These include shoveling snow off roofs, using appropriate insulation, and ensuring that clear eaves troughs. While it’s not possible to avoid all issues related to snow and ice build-up on roofs during winter months, there are ways you can help minimize them.
Taking these precautions will help you keep your home safe from the damaging effects of snow and ice.
How to prevent snow and ice damage on your roof.
- Install roof bracing – metal braces that attach to the roof and walls. They can be used in combination with insulation, which helps reduce ice dams by keeping cold away from your home’s exterior.
- Blow snow off roofs – use a leaf blower or broom to remove excess snow. If you let the weight build up on your roof for too long, it could cause damage to shingles and tiles as well as seep into cracks between layers of material causing leaks and other issues such as mold growth inside your house.
- Clear eaves troughs – these drainage systems carry rainwater away from your home’s foundation towards gutters located around its perimeter. Eaves troughs prevent water build-up against siding materials such as wood or vinyl. Having them clear will help prevent water from pooling and seeping into your home.
- Get your roof ready for snow and ice – If you live in an area with a high risk of snow and ice dams, it’s important to take preventative steps before the weather turns bad. This includes having your roof inspected by a professional every few years to check for any weak spots that could be susceptible to damage.
At Cadillacs Roofing, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe and looking good. That’s why we offer various roofing services to suit your needs, from installation and repairs to maintenance and inspections. Contact us today for a free quote and estimate.
