Damaging Effects of Winter on Your Roof

Learn to identify, prevent, and ultimately minimize damages caused by common seasonal roof issues.

Damaging Effects of Winter on Your Roof The frigid temperatures and precipitation that we endure throughout the winter months can wreak havoc on roofs.  Ice dams, overloaded drains, and the expanding and contracting of shingles due to temperature fluctuations can cause bigger problems.  However, some planning can minimize the damaging effects winter can have on your roof.

Be Prepared for the Worst-Case Scenario. Freeze & Thaw Cycles Fluctuating weather can be particularly rough on roofs thanks to the constant cycle of freezing and thawing of ice and snow. As temperatures change from day to day, the temperature across the roof can vary based on shade, location, and temperatures of other building components. Because of these weather changes, different parts of the roof can experience more or less stress and damage, especially where there are areas of ice dams and pooling water. This freeze/thaw cycle can accelerate roof damage such as loosen roof flashing, dislodge shingles, and pry open gutter seams. It is best to have a roof inspection and maintenance job done before the season begins.

Drainage Ensure your roof drainage system is functioning properly and is not blocked by any debris before the winter season begins.  This will save you potential headaches and expenses in the following months.  However, drain conditions can change rapidly in any season be sure to keep an eye on them so you don’t end up with pooling water, ice dams, and excess weight on the roof. Ice Dams When you heat your home in the wintertime, the warm air rises and warms the shingles on your roof as well as the snow that covers it. This leads to snow melting and dripping down to the colder edges of the roof where it freezes again. This will continually happen if conditions permit, eventually causing a buildup of ice at the edge of the roof. There comes a point when the water can no longer drip off the edge of the roof and gets caught in the "dam" (ice buildup) and creates an area of pooling water. When the water sits on your roof, it will eventually seep under the shingles and into your home through leakage points. An otherwise healthy roof can develop leakage points due to the freezing/thawing conditions described above. The best prevention for ice dams is insulating and ventilating your attic. You can also prevent the ice dams by cleaning out your gutters in late fall and removing snow from the edge of the roof. If you have an area where this problem persists, you can install heating cables to keep snow/ice melting and flowing off of the roof. Icicles Icicles often form under the same conditions as ice dams. While they might seem harmless, they can damage shingles and gutters, as well as be a personal danger to those walking below. They can be prevented much the same as ice dams; by insulating the attic and clearing the edge of your roof off. Attic Condensation When your roof is suffering the common winter symptoms such as build-up and ice dams, it is likely that your attic ceiling will have excessive condensation. These conditions can lead to mold and wood rot. Proper ventilation is the solution to this winter woe. It is wise to inspect your insulation, appliances, plumbing, and dehumidifiers which can cause excess moisture if not functioning properly. Heavy Rooftop Snow Loads Not all roofs are built the same. Some can handle more weight than others. If too much snow and ice accumulates on the roof, the risk of collapse is real. Especially wet and heavy snow can exert significant pressures. Poor roof drainage and construction can make matters worse, and potentially become dangerous. If you notice any creaking sounds, leaking water, or sagging ceilings, it is important to call a professional right away to avoid danger. No matter how much you plan, something will eventually go wrong no matter what.  Keep a list on hand of contractors who can respond to emergency repairs.