If you haven’t had an annual roof inspection, your roof may have common winter roofing issues. To protect your roof, keep an eye out for these winter roofing issues. Address them as soon as possible to minimize damage.
Leaks Around Flashing
Roof flashings are the metal pieces that protect the edges, corners, and ridges of your roof, as well as around chimneys and skylights. When flashings are loosened by high winds or winter ice and snow, the underlayment is exposed and water can leak in and damage your home. Flashings should be inspected regularly to make sure they are in good shape. It is much cheaper to replace flashing than to repair your roof.
Ice Dams and Icicles
An ice dam forms when warm air gathers in the attic. It heats up the underside of the roof decking, melting the bottom layers of snow. Snowmelt then runs down the roof and refreezes in colder areas. This causes water to back up and damage ceilings and exterior walls. When ice dams overflow, the water drips down and forms icicles. This will weigh down and damage gutters and hurt people if they fall. Both of these winter roofing issues are signs of insufficient attic insulation. Or air leaking through recessed lights or other openings. So be sure to address and fix these problems as soon as possible.
Heavy Snow Accumulation
While roofs are built to hold up under snow, and roof failure due to a heavy snow load is not common. But in certain situations, it does happen. Roofing that is flat or has a low pitch that doesn’t allow snow to slide off is the most susceptible to damage. In times of heavy snow, watch closely for signs of trouble. These will be cracks in walls or rafters, doors or windows that suddenly won’t open or close, and severe roof leaks. If you notice any of these indicators, you should immediately call a structural engineer for a detailed inspection.
Let Muth & Company Roofing safeguard your roof against these winter roofing issues
Get a free estimate from the premier Columbus, Ohio, roofing company. Need the best roofing available in Columbus, OH, and surrounding communities? We’re the roofer who wants to earn your business. Call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 882-0900 for a FREE estimate, or fill out our contact form. We serve Columbus, Westerville, Delaware, Worthington, Dublin, Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, and many other surrounding Central Ohio cities.