Cold winter months can have a detrimental effect on your roof and lead to a number of roofing issues, especially if your roof is older or hasn’t been inspected in a while.
The best thing you can do to keep your roof in good condition and avoid potentially costly problems at the end of the season is keeping a close eye on your roof and dealing with any issues quickly and efficiently.
So, make sure to read on and discover the most important things to be on the lookout for.
Attic Condensation
When the heat from your home comes in contact with the cold roof, you might be faced with air condensation and moisture buildup. This is known to happen when you don’t have proper attic ventilation installed.
Attic ventilation functions to improve the exchange of air or to help it circulate from the outside to the inside – and vice versa – so the hot air does not linger in your attic.
When your attic ventilation is not working properly, the moist air will condensate and moisture will spread. This can lead to mold, rot, and structural instability of your roof.
To prevent these problems, make sure to have a trusted roofer inspect, repair, or install attic ventilation as well as attic insulation.
Ice Dams
When it comes to the surface of your roofing system, the most common damage that can develop are ice dams. They are also the result of the heat and cold coming in contact due to poor attic ventilation.
Not only will the lack of attic ventilation cause condensation on the inside of your home, but it will also cause certain exterior parts of your roof to be warmer than the others. It is precisely this uneven temperature distribution across the roof that will result in ice dam formation.
Snow will melt on the warmer areas of the roof and then refreeze on the colder ones, forming a layer of ice. And the more the snow melts and refreezes, the thicker the ice dam will be.
This ice will, in turn, add extra weight to your roof, which will compromise its stability. It can also reach under the shingles and inside your home as it melts, putting you at great risk of leaks and other damages, such as rotting, structural damages, mold within the drywall and insulation, etc.
Improving and installing quality attic ventilation will help you fight and prevent this problem. Other things that may help are raking the accumulated snow off the roof and cleaning your gutters regularly so that the melted water can drain away.
Icicles
Icicles usually form together with ice dams, as they are caused by the same processes. Therefore, if you notice icicles hanging from the edges of your roof, you should check the rest of the roof for ice dams, as well.
Icicles present a structural danger and a health hazard. Not only can they easily break off and fall down, injuring anyone standing beneath them, but they may also pull down on your gutters and roof edges, causing them to detach or crack.
Therefore, preventing icicle formation in the first place will help prevent these hazards as well. And just like with ice dams, the solution lies in installing adequate ventilation and maintaining your roof and gutters clean.
Final Thought
Icicles, ice dams, and attic condensation are some of the most common issues you may encounter during winter. The good news is that they can be prevented or at least minimized with proper attic ventilation and regular roof maintenance.
Being prepared and inspecting your roof for these winter damages will help you stay ahead of problems and prevent long-term issues.
Contact Titan Roofing & Construction, one of the best roofing companies Jackson TN, in case you notice even the smallest roof damages or if you need any additional information on winter roof maintenance.
