You wouldn’t want to deal with roofing repairs in the freezing cold weather. Roof damage during winter can’t only cause further damage to your home but it can also make your interior comfortable. Heat escapes when you have a leak, so your HVAC works harder to keep your warm, resulting in higher energy bills.
Here are common causes of roof leaks in winter and ways to prevent them.
Shingle Damage
Storms and high winds can damage your roof’s shingles, leading to leaks. Protect your roof from this problem by ensuring it’s in good shape and having defective shingles replaced before winter arrives.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form on your roof from melted ice that refreezes. Snow melts on the warmer, higher parts of your roof and then freezes again on the colder, lower areas. These ice formations trap water and will soak your shingles, saturating your roof. To prevent them from forming, make sure that your attic has sufficient insulation. You can also install electric heat cable along the edge of your seamless gutters and roofline.
Icicles
Icicles are a hazard to both humans and pets. They are a result of debris buildup in your gutters. Eventually, they will cause roof leaks. The weight of icicles can also add stress to the roof and gutter, which can lead to damage. Save yourself from this issue by cleaning your gutters regularly, especially during winter and fall.
Flashing Damage
Flashing is a piece of metal that secures penetrations on your roof. Water can penetrate your roof through cracked or damaged flashing. Get a roof inspection before winter arrives and address flashing issues as soon as detected.
