When freezing temperatures roll into the Philadelphia area, common roofing issues appear every winter. We’ve seen it time and time again. Let’s go over these problems so you can identify and repair roof damage in winter.
Common Roof Problems in Winter Weather
Winter roof issues vary depending on whether you have a sloped or flat roof. Roofing materials also influence the problems that develop when snow arrives and water freezes. Some common problems include:
Ice Dams
Ice dams on roofs occur when snow and ice accumulate on sloped roofs. When snow and ice start accumulating, your roof’s upper zones become warmer than its lower zones—the snow and ice melt when they sit on those upper zones, then the water flows down to the lower zones and freezes again, forming an ice dam. Ice dams grow bigger as more water flows down the roof and latches onto the existing dam. These are hazardous because they get heavier as they grow larger. Some ice dams even grow large enough to bring your gutter down. You can prevent them by having snow and ice cleared from your roof before it can repeatedly freeze and thaw.
Snow and Ice Buildup
When your roof continually accumulates ice and snow, that precipitation often leads to more than just ice dams. If too much snow and ice builds up, it puts stress on your roof and the rest of your home, and part of your roof could collapse due to that stress. Signs that your roof has too much snow and ice include the following:
- Your walls develop severe leaks or cracks.
- Doors in your home pop out of place or get stuck.
- You hear constant popping, cracking, or creaking sounds.
If you think your roof has too much snow and ice on it, you have two main options: remove it yourself with a roof rake or call your roofing contractor to remove it. Either way, remove the precipitation before it has a chance to harm your roof.
Condensation
Condensation often forms in your attic or other rooms closest to your roof when the weather gets cold and you turn your heater on. When that happens, the warm air in your attic or other rooms rises while the cold air outside sinks onto the roof. When the hot and cold air meet on opposite sides of the roof, condensation forms and causes mold and mildew to grow. Before you turn on your heater for the fall and winter, make sure it has proper ventilation, which prevents condensation from forming.
