Nevada’s winters may not be the worst in the United States, but our coldest season can still go below 30°F for weeks. This extreme weather, coupled with the weight of snow and rain, spells bad news for your roof. If you followed our winter roof maintenance and repair tips, you might have been able to minimize winter roof damage. But if you weren’t able to sufficiently prepare your roof for winter, expect your roof to suffer from:
Ice dams
Ice dams are one of the most common problems your roof can face in winter. They are caused by uneven interior roof heating: snow melts near the apex of the roof where it’s warm, only to freeze again around the edges of the roof where the temperature is subzero. This process repeats throughout winter, causing layer upon layer of snow to pile up and form a dam-like structure around the roof’s eaves and gutters.
Ice dams are dangerous because they are heavy and can cause parts of the roof to collapse. If not removed immediately, they can also rot roof structures.
Water damage
Water is your roof’s prime enemy. In fact, most of the steps in roof maintenance are aimed to keep water out. In winter, water takes many forms, and each one poses a problem for your roof.
Moisture is the presence of liquid in trace amounts. You may think that a very small amount of water cannot be a threat to your roof, but the opposite is true. Trapped water can accumulate, especially on flat roofs, causing sitting water to produce excessive condensation on attic ceilings, plumbing, and appliances. And moisture, even in minor amounts, can lead to mold and wood rot.
Moisture, even in minor amounts, can lead to mold and wood rot.
Ice is another problem that your roof has to deal with. If rainwater freezes, ice can build up in your gutters and prevent water from properly draining from your roof. And if water can’t flow through the gutters and downspout, it will flow under shingles or seep through other wooden roof structures, causing leaks. Ice buildup and stagnant water can also cause your gutters to sag, or worse, break. If not insulated properly, pipes under the roof can also burst, as water molecules expand when they turn into ice.
Wind damage
It’s not uncommon for Nevada to experience winter storms with blustery winds. To make matters worse, wind speeds are usually higher in winter due to the uneven heating of the earth’s surface. Winds from winter storms can blow off loose or old shingles, exposing your roof to the elements and causing even more extensive damage. That’s not all: winter winds are almost always accompanied by sleet or hail. Chunks of ice can pelt your roof and weaken or loosen your shingles, allowing the wind to carry them with ease.
Winter winds can also loosen flashings or completely rip them apart. High winds can also give your roof ridges and gables quite a beating, as these roof parts are located where the winds often hit the hardest.
Take winter roof damage seriously
All roofs are susceptible to winter damage. Whether you have a sloped roof or a flat roof, it’s necessary that you call a professional roofing company right away when winter ends. Roof experts will assess the extent of winter roof damage and will do the necessary repairs to ensure that your roof is prepared to withstand another year.
D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., Inc. offers roof repair and replacement services that are second to none. Our excellent workmanship in both residential and commercial roofing makes us one of Reno’s best roofing contractors. Get your FREE roof assessment today: call us at (775) 521-7440 or send us a message.