Every homeowner deserves to enjoy the winter period in a safe and warm place. However, snow and ice can have a direct effect on the condition and structure of your roof, and therefore it is important to have any roof repair done as quick as possible.
How do you prevent this from happening and keep your loved ones safe and warm? You need to start by understand the impact of snow and ice on your roof before you proceed. Let’s have a look.
Freeze and Thaw Cause Cracks
Accumulation of snow and the build-up of ice are evident when you notice the cracks in your shingles. Those smallest cracks in your shingles make your roof vulnerable to saturation of water.
Water then penetrates your shingles, hence exposing your roof to leakages and underlayment. The penetrating water causes water leaks which makes your shingles crack due to freezing.
Cracked shingles will largely expand, making them move and make your roof more vulnerable to leaks. The freezing is a result of low temperature or even zero temperature leading to the expansion of cracks.
Snow and Ice Exposes Your Roof to Winter Weight
Rain doesn’t cause that much weight on your roof since it rolls-off immediately after the rain stops. But your roof can suffer from excess weight due to the combining power of heavy snow and ice.
It isn’t easy to estimate how much weight is on your roof. Ice weighs more than snow, while packed snow weighs two times more than fresh snow.
The weight on your roof will consequently lead to cracks and leaks. In worse scenarios, the weight can make your roof to collapse. Older homes are also at a higher risk for structural damage due to this weight.
Snow and Ice Causes Stress on the Roof
The roof also feels stress because of the heavy-weight of snow and ice. The heavy-weight and all the snow aspects can make your roof to cave. When the rain flows to the lowest point of your roof, the low-temperature combination below the freezing point starts to form large ice blocks.
These large ice blocks increase your roof’s weight and stress, which puts your roof at a higher risk of caving. Your roof is also at a higher risk of leaking whenever there’s a snowstorm.
Reduces the Lifespan of Your Roof
Your roof is at risk when snow and ice continue accumulating without being removed. The accumulation weakens the reinforcements, hence expanding the cracks further. With the cracks, strong winds can easily find room to blow away the roof.
Do a roof replacement immediately you notice visible cracks and serious leaks. Ensure you have a proper roof maintenance plan.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a result of the melting of the snow on your roof. It’s formed when the thawing snow lacks where to go. They can damage the gutters and cause your roof to tear. Ice dams are most common in flat roofs. Ensure you remove this standing water from your roof’s interior.