Protecting Your Home From Winter Weather

During the winter months here in the Northwest our roofs take a lot of wear and tear. We experience freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice. If not removed, the accumulation of snow and ice on your roof can cause permanent damages. Here are the ways that ice and snow impacts your roof.

Ice build-up can cause trouble when it caves in, due to the accumulated weight of snowfall. When temperatures go under freezing point, rain water will flow to the lowest point of your roof and condense to ice blocks. Ice is heavy and over time it weighs on your roof.

When water freezes, it changes with warmer days and colder nights. This causes it to expand and contract. Ice gets into small cracks that might be in your roof. With just a little heat, the expanded space houses more water, which then freezes again causing the crack to expand. Opening your roof up to water damage.

Ice dams can also easily happen, when layers of ice form around the drains or at the edge of the roof. They block the melting snow, and keep it from properly draining of the roof. Water and debris that form behind ice dams add extra weight.

Having a good maintenance plan for your roof is key during the winter to protect it from damage. Perform a thorough roof check at least twice a year, keep all gutters and drains free of debris so clogs don’t form and try to keep inner temperatures consistent in order minimize heat loss. Use our blogs to help you get a inspection checklist so you know what to look for on your roof.