The winter season brings its own set of problems because the ice, snow, and cold temperatures can test even the most well-constructed roofs. Let’s put this into perspective to understand the risk. An estimated 2 feet of snow can weigh up to 6 tons on the roof. The wet snow weighs the most and can test even the best roofs.
Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow
Most roofs won’t collapse unless they struggled with structural issues, to begin with. Common signs that your roof might collapse include:
- Bowed or bent conduits
- Bent utility pipes near the ceiling
- The interior ceiling begins to sag
- Windows or doors hard to open
- Doors that pop open on their own
- Severe or repeated leaks
Ice Dams on the Roof
Singlehandedly one of the greatest winter threats to your roof, ice dams happens when the snow melts and freezes again on the roof. It poses a danger because of the extra weight that it puts on the roof, and it damages the edge of your roof the most.
You can spot an ice dam because of icicles hanging off the roof. Ventilate your home properly and clean the gutters. Good ventilation can make a big difference in this problem because it stops heat from escaping your roof. You want to clean the gutters because, while this issue won’t create ice dams by itself, it can worsen the problem. The water gets trapped on the roof and has nowhere to escape.
Check your heating ducts to see that they remain well-sealed without leaks into the roof.
Condensation on the Roof
Condensation on the roof happens as the warm air from the inside meets the cold air from the outside. How does condensation on the roof have a negative impact on it? Over time, condensation can create structural roof problems like rotting, insect infestations, mold, and mildew. The insects include termites. Termites are active across the state, and they gravitate toward areas with moisture.
Most of the time, condensation happens because of poor insulation and inadequate ventilation in the roof cavity. If you want to correct it, you might hire roofers in Delaware to handle the problem for you safely.
Flashing Leaks
Anyone with a sloped roof has more than likely experienced leaky flashing. Flashing strips on the roof are a piece of metal that goes around the edge of skylights and chimneys. You need professionals to install them who understand how to do it to prevent water leaks. In particular, the flashing becomes vulnerable to ice dams that can pull up on the flashing to make for leaks.
You want to inspect the flashing every six months. Check to see that the metal didn’t lift up. Grab a pair of binoculars to look at the flashing. Most professionals install flashing with caulk around it to prevent leaks and seal it.
Strong Winds
Blizzards can bring strong winds with them that can lift up your shingles. The winters in Delaware are windy, cold, and snowy. Asphalt shingles prove especially vulnerable to the wind because of how they can loosen up and shake the shingles. If you see that the wind has lifted shingles on the roof, call a Delaware roofing company as soon as possible to deal with the problem. In most cases, homeowner’s insurance will cover wind damage to the roof and storms.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation ranks as one of the most common problems that you encounter over the winter months in Delaware with your roof. Many times, it will accompany ice dams because it often causes ice dams to form. Check the attic to see that the vents remain open throughout the winter and uncovered because this can harm the ventilation if you accidentally put something up against them.
Signs of poor ventilation for the roof include:
- Rusting attic fasteners
- Excessive attic moisture
- Rotting insulation
- Damaged shingles
Rusting Attic Fasteners
If the fasteners in your attic start to rust, it could indicate a moisture problem due to poor ventilation. Check your HVAC components, roofing straps, and electrical components. None of the items mentioned should have rust on them.
Excessive Attic Moisture
When you ventilate it well, an attic should not feel overly moist. Once moisture gets trapped in the attic, it becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Good ventilation pushes excess moisture out of the roof.
Rotting Insulation
Insulation can soak up and trap moisture, which will lead to it rotting much sooner. You want to get rid of the excess moisture because it will help everything to last longer.
Damaged Shingles
Moisture will make shingles more susceptible to leaks. You want the water to run off the roof as quickly as possible. Shingles that buckle, crack, or wrinkle either indicate too much moisture or too high of a roof surface temperature. Once shingles are damaged, you must replace them.
Contact The Delaware Roofing Company Around
Winter comes with its own share of issues, and many homeowners will prepare for winter during the fall season, such as by cleaning the rain gutters. If you spot any of the issues above, you should know that RGB Construction can help. We are a veteran-owned business, and you can call us at 856-264-9093.
