Every year, homeowners look forward to the winter season. While it is often the happy holiday season, heavy snowfall is a daily occurrence in some parts of the country. A considerable accumulation of snow may be fun for the family, but it can lead to severe problems for your roof. Find out how snow affects your roof.
Pressure on Your Roof
Snow accumulation on your roof puts a lot of stress on your roof. When there is a lot of snow on the top, it goes through the freeze cycle. During the day, when the sun is out, snow melts and seeps into the small cracks in your roof. During the cooler hours of the day, the water freezes when the temperature drops below the freezing point. As a result, the cracks expand. The cycle continues as the crack became larger and more water can seep into them, causing more ice accumulation and added pressure on your roof.
If snow accumulation is a persistent concern, it is best to for a professional roofing inspection so you know the kind of repairs that can keep your roof in good shape.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are mainly a concern on sloped roofs. When the snow melts during the day, the water tends to flow down the roof. However, when the temperature drops at night, the water freezes right at the edge of the roof, resulting in ice dams. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your gutters and eventually affect the drainage system from your roof.
Roofing Blisters
Snow accumulation on the roof can also cause roof blisters. Again, it happens due to a temperature change. As the weather changes and the temperature begins to rise, it can cause the melting of snow and ice within the roof layers. While most of the water on your roof can drain if you have adequately functioning gutters, moisture and warm air between the roof layers can lead to roof blisters. It is a particular concern on flat roofs or roofs with a low-slope.
Reduced Lifespan of the Roof
Persistent snow accumulation can weaken the reinforcements and lead to the expansion of existing cracks. If the damage goes unnoticed and is left untreated, eventually, it reduces the roof’s lifespan.
Roof Damage During Snow Removal
Many homeowners attempt to remove the snow using DIY techniques. While it may be a fun outdoor activity for some people, it is a job that is best left to professionals. Most homeowners lack the skills and the right equipment to do the job. As a result, they end up damaging their roof further. If snowfall is a usual occurrence in your area, it is best to call a professional so you can keep your roof in the best shape for a long time.
Snow accumulation can affect your roof in several ways. But you can keep roof damage to a minimum by merely letting professionals do the inspection and roof repair. To find more about roofing services, get in touch now.
