When the temperatures dip below freezing and the snow begins to fly, your roof is in place to keep you and your family protected and safe. It works hard to keep the winter weather out and the warm air in, but winter can be incredibly tough on your roof. Below are some of the common things that can damage your roof during the winter, which may require calling a roof contractor to get it repaired.
It Can Form an Ice Dam
If an ice dam forms on your roof, this can cause a lot of damage—to both the inside and outside of your home. Ice dams form when the upper part of your roof thaws and the water travels down to the lower section and refreezes. When ice forms in your gutters, the water thawing from the top of the home gets trapped behind it.
Normally, your gutters are in place to direct the water away from your roof. When they are blocked by ice, the water has nowhere to go, which increases the chances of it leaking into your home. If that happens, it can cause a host of problems, including structural damage to the ceiling and walls, as well as contribute to the growth of mold in your attic.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to prevent ice dams from forming. However, you can minimize the risk of them occurring by having an attic with good insulation and ventilation. Having some modified rubber underlayments might also help. By talking to a professional roof contractor, they’ll be able to inspect your roof and put together a plan to reduce the chances of ice dams forming during the harsh Troy, Michigan winter.
Exposure to High Winds
In addition to snow and cold temperatures, another common adverse weather condition in Troy is strong winds. This can have a damaging impact on your roof because it can lift and remove shingles. When that happens, you don’t have the layer of protection you need to keep moisture out.
Not only can wind remove shingles, but it can also blow debris into your roof that could cause damage. This could include tree branches, dirt and other items it picks up from the ground. If these poke holes into your roof, even small ones, this could be enough to allow water to drip into your attic. Thus, it’s recommended that after a particularly brutal windstorm in Troy, you should call in a roof contractor to have them inspect your roof to ensure it wasn’t damaged.
Icicles Can Form
If you’re like most people, then you probably think that icicles hanging over the side of your home look really cool. They may, but they are also a safety hazard. More often than not, icicles form because your gutters are clogged and the water has nowhere to go. They can be incredibly heavy, which means that they can pull your gutters and downspouts away from your roof, causing damage and creating an area where water can leak into your home.
Should any of the icicles fall and hit a person or a pet, they can cause injury. The best course of action to keep icicles from forming is to keep your gutters clean by removing leaves and other debris when you can.
Tree Branches Can Get Weighed Down
Having trees in your yard in Troy, Michigan can make your landscaping looking amazing. They create fantastic shade during the summer, which helps keep your house cool. However, during the winter, they can become a threat to your roof, especially if you have branches that overhang your home.
Heavy snow can weigh the tree down, and if the branch is weak or has died, it can break off and smash into your roof. During high winds, it’s also possible that the branch can scrape against the surface of your roof, lifting shingles or removing the top protective layer. If any of these occur, it will be possible for water to get into your home.
Winters in Michigan can be harsh, but your roof is in place to keep you protected. To ensure it’s doing its job, it’s advised that you call in a professional roof contractor like Martino Home Improvements to do an inspection. This should happen on a regular basis, but it’s especially important if you notice any of the issues listed above.