Winter Roofing Woes
As you are checking your inventory of gear to make sure you are prepared for the winter months, it might be worth making sure your roof is ready for the harsh season, too. It's important to know how to spot signs of damage early in order to avoid more costly repairs down the road. Let's talk about the most common ways midwestern winters can lead to roofing trouble, and what to look out for.
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Moisture
Even minor moisture buildup can cause real damage over time. When temperatures drop, water molecules expand and create pressure within roofing materials. That pressure puts significant stress on shingles through repeated freeze and thaw cycles, causing them to crack, curl, and deteriorate. When shingles and flashing are compromised, the protective barrier your roof relies on breaks down, and water finds a way in. Catching moisture damage early is one of the simplest ways to avoid a much larger repair bill later.
Wind
March is one of Minnesota's most windy months of the year, and wind damage is more common than most homeowners expect. Strong gusts can lift and separate shingles, leave gaps in flashing, and push debris against vulnerable areas of your roof. Once the surface layer is disturbed, moisture has an easier path inside. After any significant windstorm, a visual check from the ground is a good starting point, but a professional inspection will catch the things you can't see from the yard.
Ice Dams
Perhaps the most damaging of all winter roofing problems, ice dams can lead to significant structural and interior damage. Poor ventilation, especially in homes with attics, causes heat to escape unevenly, concentrating at the upper portion of the roof. That heat melts snow, which then runs toward the colder roof edge and refreezes into large blocks of ice. These dams trap water behind them, preventing drainage into the gutters. Over time, that standing water backs up under shingles and works its way into the home. Proper attic ventilation is one of the most effective ways to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
Heavy Snowfall
As heavy snow accumulates across a roof throughout winter, it creates pathways for water to seep inside. You may notice ceiling leaks or water stains, signs that melted snow has found a way through. One of the clearest indicators that your roof is under stress is sagging or bowing. If your roofline no longer looks straight, the snow load may be exceeding what the structure can safely support. That's a situation that warrants an immediate inspection.
How to Prepare
Older roofs are more susceptible to structural damage during winter because of the wear and tear that comes with age. Getting an inspection before problems compound can lower the risk of costly repairs and, more importantly, keep your family safe.
Avoid winter roofing woes from one of the harshest climates in the country by scheduling a free, no-obligation inspection and consultation with us today. One of our roofing specialists will do a thorough inspection of your home and walk you through what they find. If there's damage, we'll go over all the options available to help.
Start Your Project Today
Ready to protect your home heading into winter? Schedule a free consultation with TWS Remodeling and get a clear picture of where your roof stands, before the season makes it worse. Call us at (612) 445-4352 or reach out online to get started.