Preventing Winter Damage to Your Roof

A well-maintained roof, built with high-quality materials, should last between 20-30 years. While there are several ways your roof can become damaged, the harsh winter weather is one of the biggest culprits. A damaged roof can become a headache when it comes to selling your home.

While it may seem like a good idea to wait until the spring to assess the damage from the winter months, that could be a big, and expensive, mistake. Siefken Contracting is your partner for roof repair and replacement. We provide free estimates and work with you to find the best solution for your roofing problem.

The winter season in Nebraska can bring strong winds, along with snow, which can seriously damage your roof. During these storms, it is common for shingles to be loosened, damaged, and torn. But it’s not just the shingles that get the brunt of it. The winter season can also rip off or loosen flashing. The ridges and rakes of a roof can also take a beating because they are more exposed to the wind stream.

One way to prevent wind-related roof damage is to invest in high-quality shingles that carry a warranty in case of damage. It is also important to keep an eye out for storms… Prepare your roof for the winter weather by contacting a professional for a roof inspection. After a serious storm, it is important to get your roof checked again. Winter storm damage should be fixed in a timely manner, so the problem does not worsen and cause more harm to your home.

Not every roof is designed to handle large loads of snow. If too much ice and snow accumulate on your home, you run the risk of your roof collapsing. This is especially true with wet snow, which is heavier. But even light snow can sometimes be enough to exert pressure and cause damage. Also, if your roof was poorly constructed or had previous damage, it can make the situation far worse.

To prevent damage from snow accumulation on your roof is to pay close attention to leaks, creaks, and sagging. These issues should be fixed before winter lands on your home. Make sure you keep a close eye on the accumulation of snow on your roof. Remove snow from the edges with a long-handled rake or broom.

As you heat up your home for the cold weather, the warm air in your home will rise and warm both the shingles and any snow covering your roof. That warm air causes the snow to melt and drip to the colder edges of the roof, where it will refreeze as ice.

As this ice grows thicker, it will force a backup of snowmelt behind it. This causes water to seep under the shingles and into your home through any leakage points. Your chances of a leak increase as the water freezes and thaws. That is because it worlds its way into nooks and crannies and expands them by freezing and thawing.

These ice dams can also cause excessive condensation on your attic ceiling. But even minor amounts of moisture build-up can lead to both wood rot and mold, which can cause health problems. The attic floor is where moist air from below often enters. But you should also be aware that devices in your home can also cause moisture build-up if they’re malfunctioning, such as your plumbing, appliances, and dehumidifiers.

You can prevent moisture build-up by maintaining all your home devices on a regular basis. If you do spot or suspect condensation in your attic, you need to address it with proper ventilation. All leaks should be plugged in the insulation on the attic floor.

Icicles look beautiful, but they can cause a significant amount of damage to your shingles and gutters. They’re also dangerous if they break and fall. Ice can also build up in your downspouts and gutters. It’s extremely difficult to remove ice in your downspouts and gutters without causing damage to your roof and/or the gutters.

If you have a flat roof, you’ll have to pay attention to your drains, because if they freeze, they can trap water on top of your roof. That trapped water can accumulate enough to cause water leaks. Keep your gutters clean to reduce clogs. You may even need to remove your gutter system to prevent ice damage.

If you have a flat roof with accumulated trapped water, you may need to remove the downspout and physically open the drain in order to create discharge.

While you can climb up to assess and handle your own roof damage, it’s dangerous work and is best left to the professionals. If you’re looking for an Omaha area exterior specialist, our expert team is here for you. Give us a call today for a free estimate.