Most homeowners don’t bother to look up at their roof and inspect for changes until the raw winter season arrives and a problem appears. The roof is perhaps your home’s most important feature because it’s more than a covering and is there to shield your home from the elements and to keep everyone and everything dry inside. Many homes have asphalt shingles, and they’re popular for their versatility, affordability, and durability. However, roofs in regions where there’s snow, wind, ice, and freezing temperatures are more vulnerable to damage.
Snow Overload
A little snow on the roof isn’t an issue, but as heavy snow piles up, the load can stress your roof’s surface and weaken its structural integrity. As snow melts during the day, it seems just fine, but ice dam formation can occur when freezing temperatures return overnight. Dreaded ice dams develop at the colder edges of your roof, and water sneaks into small cracks in shingles and under flashing. This can lead to leaks under your shingles and into your home’s walls and ceilings.
Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Northeastern states, especially, experience multiple freeze-thaw cycles during the winter season. This type of cycle is tough on roofs because temperatures can swing above and below freezing within hours. This pattern of continuous melting and refreezing on rooftops heightens the chances of ice dams and leaks, and the shingle damage can become concealed and unnoticed until the following spring.
Exterior and Interior Signs
Roofing experts recommend that homeowners be on the lookout for signs of shingle damage after a stretch of extreme cold. For instance, exterior freeze-thaw damage can include shingles that are cracked, curled, or lifted. Another sign is missing shingle granules or bare spots or distorted flashing.
Interior signs of damage often include stains on ceilings and/or walls from water, peeling paint, or attic moisture.
Proactive Maintenance
The homeowner cannot stop winter’s freezing temperatures, but when snow builds up, it’s important to remove it. Some property owners keep their gutters clog free to ensure proper drainage. It’s also advised to use a snow rake to pull snow off the edges and protect the shingles with rollers or slides while clearing heavy, wet accumulation. The last thing any homeowner wants is a roof collapse, and these small measures can go a long way.
You should never get up on the roof and walk on your shingles during snow removal. Not only is that dangerous, but you could also damage the shingles.
Are Your Roof and Shingles Winter Ready?
If you live in Bohemia, NY, then you understand winter’s freezing temps and thawing cycles, so reach out to King Quality today for shingle and roofing services.
