Winter weather and related conditions cause roofing damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners may not find this damage until the spring. Roofing damage can have a negative impact not only on your roof but also on your property. Learn how winter roof damage affects your roof in the spring and what you should do if your roof is too far gone.
The Effects of Ice Dams and Leaks
Ice dams in winter form when melted snow and freezing rain back up under roofing shingles. Unfortunately, in spring, the melting water under the shingles can leak into your ceiling and walls. The months between winter and spring allow enough time for wood rot to occur, causing structural damage to your roof and home.
Missing and Damaged Roof Shingles
In winter, your family may spend less time outdoors, leading to overlooked roof shingles on the ground. Missing and damaged shingles are often found in the spring. Colder temperatures can make shingles more brittle, increasing the risk that they could fall off your roof. The subroofing and surrounding materials will become damaged if shingles are broken or missing.
Finding Gutter or Flashing Damage
Ice on your roof can cause flashing to tear easily and pull away from key fixtures. Ice can also become heavy and weigh down gutters. This can cause them to break and pull away from your home. These conditions let ice and water leak into your home during spring storms and showers.
Structural Roofing Stress and Sagging
Heavy ice and snow accumulation on the roof causes sagging and structural issues. You may not discover underlying roof damage until the spring. Unfortunately, the heavy weight can cause roof collapse, and you aren’t likely to find it immediately in rooms you don’t go into often. For example, you may not discover attic damage until it reaches your ceiling or walls.
Hidden Spring Storm Vulnerabilities
Rain showers and storms in the spring could cause interior property damage if your roof was compromised in winter. The damage could have gone unnoticed all winter, but the results are a weakened roof. Upon discovering winter roof damage, you must act quickly to protect your roof and property. If you don’t, heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail could further compromise your home.
Additional Signs of Roofing Damage
Signs you should stay aware of, even during winter, start with moldy smells in your attic and water stains or damp spots on your walls or ceilings. If you notice loose or curling shingles, you need a roof inspection pronto. You may also have roof damage if you see ice along the edges of the valleys of your roof.
In winter, heavy snowfall and colder temperatures cause significant roofing damage. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t get roofing inspections as often in winter and find this damage in spring. By spring, roof leaks can cause further structural damage to your ceiling or walls. If the roofing damage isn’t corrected quickly enough, the entire roof could fail. Winter roofing damage may require a total roof replacement. If you have concerns or require roof replacement services, contact Point Roofing in Boise, ID.
