Your roof can get damaged in any season, but winter brings with it unique challenges. Understanding what can go wrong and taking steps to prepare your roof for winter can help you avoid a serious problem and a large repair bill.
Ice Dams
When your roof gets covered with snow and that snow melts, the water will need somewhere to go. If the gutters are clear, water from melted snow will flow through the gutters and get carried away from the house.
If the gutters are blocked with leaves and other debris, melted snow won’t be able to drain. Instead, it can refreeze near the edges of the roof and form ice dams. The weight of a large amount of ice can damage the gutters and roof. Moisture can damage roofing shingles, as well as materials below the surface. That can lead to leaks and moisture damage inside the house.
There’s an easy way to prevent ice dams: clean out the gutters so melted snow can get transported away from your home. If your roof already has ice dams, steam can quickly melt them without damaging the roof.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Winter storms often bring strong wind gusts that can damage roofing shingles or pull them off completely. Ideally, you should have your roof inspected by a professional before winter arrives. A roofing contractor can note any problems and take care of them so your roof will be able to stand up to strong winds.
After a storm, inspect your roof as well as you can from the ground. If you see any areas where shingles appear to be loose or missing, have a contractor come out as soon as possible to make roof repairs and keep the problem from getting worse.
Roof Collapse
A roof can handle a significant amount of weight from snow, but at some point, the weight can become too much to bear. If a blizzard strikes your area and snow is piled high on your roof, you’ll have to remove the snow to prevent damage. You can use a roof rake to pull snow down without having to go up on the roof or climb a ladder.
Get Help with Winter Roofing Problems
If you’re concerned about the condition of your roof, don’t wait to address the issue or just hope that things will be fine. A winter storm can turn a minor issue into a major one. Marquis Roofing has a team of highly trained roofing professionals who can inspect the roof on your New Hampshire home and make any repairs that might be necessary. We can also use a steamer to melt ice dams and remove snow from your roof. Contact us today to get an estimate.
