If there is a problem with your roof, winter is often the time that it will become apparent. Cold temperatures, harsh storms, and even piling snow can have severe negative impacts on your home if your roof is not protecting it appropriately. Learn five of the most common winter roofing problems and how you can avoid them this winter.
- Drafty Rooms
Are some rooms around your house just never comfortable, no matter how many times you adjust the thermostat? Or have you noticed higher than usual energy bills? The insulation and ventilation in your attic could be the culprit. Your roof works as a system with ventilation and insulation keeping your home a regular temperature. And it is never more apparent that the system is not working correctly than in the middle of winter. Have a professional check your attic insulation and ventilation before the cold months arrive. - Icicles
Many people don’t think of icicles as a problem because they can be so beautiful. But unfortunately, they are very dangerous when they fall and can even damage gutters by pulling them away from the home. Avoid icicles by performing regular maintenance on your gutters in the fall, so water doesn’t have a chance to back up and form winter icicles. Unfortunately, icicles could be a sign of ice dams, which form on your roof along the eaves, trapping water that can back up into the attic. Similar to drafty rooms, ice dams can be avoided with proper insulation and ventilation. - Leaks
One of the most common places where we see roof leaks is in the flashing, the metal pieces that protect the areas where roof elements intersect. Flashing and the caulk that seals it do not have as long a lifespan as other roofing materials and need periodic maintenance. Once flashing fails, water gets into the cracks and expands as ice, making an even larger crack for you to deal with in the spring. Check your flashing each fall, or set up a regular roof inspection to ensure that your roof is watertight. - Condensation
Once again, ventilation is usually the culprit when it comes to condensation around your home. This moisture build-up can cause problems throughout your house, such as mold and mildew. Ensure your contractor has taken specific measurements of your unique home to find out the right volume and balance of the intake and exhaust vents in your attic. - Strong Storms
The winds in the Mid-Atlantic do not usually get high enough to tear the shingles right off of a healthy roof. However, if a roof is over 15 years old or has been damaged by ice and water, winter storms will pose a problem. If you see any blown-off shingles on your lawn, call a roofing professional immediately. Make sure that you choose someone who can do both small repairs and full replacements. They will be able to diagnose your roofing issue and fix it before the problem gets worse.
If you are experiencing any of the roofing issues above, we recommend that it is time to find a professional to ensure that your home is protected all winter long.
