All the Terrible Things Winter Can Do to Your Roof
November 24, 2018Winter in Rochester, NY can be hard on your home or business’s roofing system. From fallen tree branches to snowstorms, your roof must survive a variety of seasonal hazards. Failure to schedule a pre-winter roof inspection could cause a roof ill-equipped to survive the cold months. Review this list of problems your roof could encounter this winter. Then, schedule roofing services in Rochester with Five Star Improvements, Inc. to prevent major roofing problems this season.
Ice Damming
Ice dams happen when a ridge of ice forms along the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from properly draining. This can lead to water sitting on your roof and eventually causing serious property damage, such as wood rot, leaks, and mold growth. Ice dams are most common on roofs with improper insulation, where heat from the house warms the roof in certain places but not others.
Icicles
Icicles hanging from your roof or gutters can present safety hazards to you and any visitors to your home. Icicles form when melted snow runs down your roof and drops from the sides – likely due to a damaged or ineffective gutter system. Correcting the source of the problem may take gutter cleaning, repairs, or replacement.
Flashing Leaks
The flashing of your roof keeps moisture out of the underlying roofing materials. The pieces of aluminum you may see around the edges of your roof or chimney are the roof flashing. Flashing leaks can occur in winter from weeks of freezing and thawing processes, as well as age-related rust and corrosion. Inspecting and replacing old flashing before winter can help prevent leaks.
Lost or Damaged Roofing Materials
Harsh wind, snow, rain, and sleet during a Rochester storm could severely damage your roof. You may experience lost or damaged shingles, and moisture entering and damaging your home. Prepare for bad weather this winter by scheduling a comprehensive roof inspection and maintenance check in fall. Contact us today!