Snow and ice will soon become a reality here in the Toledo area. Is your roof ready to take on whatever winter may bring?
If your roof is aging, it may be a good idea to contact a roofing contractor to install a new roof that will protect your home from the elements before winter settles in this year.
Why Is Winter Weather So Hard On My Roof?
As a homeowner, you may think a roofing contractor is exaggerating the stress your older roof may be subjected to by winter weather. You may think your 20-year-old or 30-year-old roof will be fine – it has been for decades, right?
Wrong.
Winter weather brings ice, show, freeze and thaw cycles, rain, and wind, all of which can cause significant damage to your roof, especially one that is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.
Ice
Ice and snow on the upper parts of your roof can melt and flow to the lower edges of your roof, where it can refreeze and create ice dams. The melting water quickly backs up and pools under the ice that formed on the edge, forcing the ice to push under and melt beneath the shingles and into your home. This can quickly escalate and you may have to deal with damaged walls, ceilings, and wet insulation.
Icicles
In much the same way that ice dams develop, icicles can form along the edge of your roof as snow and ice melts on sunny days and the water drips over. Often caused by clogged gutters and downspouts, icicles pose a real danger to people and pets walking below them. They can also damage your gutters and roof. You can help prevent icicles from forming by keeping your gutters and downspouts free from debris and litter.
Wind
Winter gales can rip loose shingles away, leaving your roof decking open to the elements. If you notice shingles in your yard or granules in your downspouts, contact your roofing contractor immediately. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Falling Branches
Wind, ice, and heavy snowfall can cause branches and tree limbs to fall onto your roof. While this problem is not limited to older roofs, tree damage is a real risk for significant damage to your roof. Keep tree limbs trimmed and away from your roof to protect it wherever possible.
Failing Flashing
Older roofs often have missing or lost flashing. Long metal strips applied at corners and joints along your roof, flashing can deteriorate over time or can blow off in strong winds as well. Once the flashing is gone, your roof is prone to leaks at the exposed joints.
Condensation
Once the heat goes on, unless you have a well-insulated attic, the warm air from your home meets the cold roof causing moisture to form on and under your shingles. This can breed mold and mildew, which is expensive to remove and can cause significant illness to you and your family. Avoid this issue by making sure you have proper insulation and ventilation in your attic.
Can I Wait To Replace My Roof?
A qualified roofing contractor will strongly recommend you replace your roof if it is starting to show its age. They can recommend short-term measures to put your roof in the best possible shape, but inevitably you will need to have a new roof installed to ensure proper protection for your home and belongings.
If you have an older roof, don’t wait. Contact our professionals at Armorvue Home Exteriors today for a virtual appointment before winter gets us in its icy grip!
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