We hate to say it but… winter is coming. We want to share with you common winter roofing problems and what you can do to help prevent issues from arising and what to do if you experience roofing problems this winter.

Condensation – Condensation is the result of warm air coming into contact with a cold surface. If you have a poorly insulated attic, your roof becomes a prime location for condensation to form. This can then lead to mold and mildew buildup which leads to costly repairs to the structure and interior of your home. This can be prevented with proper insulation and proper ventilation in your attic. Both of these things are important to your roof’s overall health even though they are more often than not overlooked during roofing inspections and installations. Not only will a properly insulated and ventilated attic improve the health of your roof and prolong your roof’s life, it will help save you money on your energy bills.

Strong Winds and Tree Limbs – True for every season, strong winds and tree limbs can cause damage to your roof. It’s important that nothing is rubbing against your roof, like large tree limbs or branches. Cut back tree limbs that are either touching are close to touching your roof to prevent any issues. Strong winds or heavy snow can cause tree limbs to fall during the wintertime as well. After a big storm, check to ensure there are no fallen branches or limbs that have landed on your roof. This can best be prevented by trimming back trees during the summer and fall that are coming close to your roofline as well as eliminating any dead branches on your trees. If branches are difficult to reach, consult a professional. Safety should always be your #1 priority as it is ours.

Ice Dams and Icicles – Both ice dams and icicles form during similar conditions,  when it’s sunny and temperatures are below freezing. This mixture can lead to water from melting snow accumulating on your roof and potentially under the shingles. When this water makes its way to your gutters or lower parts of your roof and refreezes, this ice can build up causing ice dams and icicles. This can cause a variety of issues including gutters being pulled away from your home, water leaking into your home causing not only exterior damage but interior damage as well. While icicles may not necessarily be an immediate alarm for your home or roof, ice dams are something that should be taken care of as this may be a sign that water has entered the interior of your home. See our blog post that covers icicles and ice dams in greater length, including how to help prevent them.

Flashing Leaks – Flashing can be pulled away from your roof during storms or if they weren’t installed properly. Flashing is the metal stripping that surrounds the corners and front edge of your roof including around your chimney (and skylights, too, if you have them). Your flashing around your chimney and skylights helps to prevent water from entering the home. If you notice that it is starting to pull away, call us out to inspect immediately. The result of flashing missing or not properly installed to a home can lead to costly water damage repair within the home.To prevent flashing leaks, be sure to inspect on a regular basis and if you see any small concerns to have them addressed right away by contact your roofing professionals at American Roofing.

If you are unsure of the condition of your roof, feel free to give us a call to come out for a free inspection. Our roofing professionals will assess your roof and determine the best route of action for repairing or replacing your roof if need be this winter. As always, the best way to prevent issues from occurring with your roof is to check your roof regularly during all seasons.