Roofing to Protect Your Home During Winter

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can be stressful for your home's roofing. Especially if you live in an area with lots of snowfall, the white stuff can cause some serious problems for your home. You've also got ice to worry about. These are not things you probably want to risk your neck with yourself. Here are some of the most common winter roofing problems and what can be done about them.

Ice Dams And The Damage They Can Cause

One really serious thing you've got to worry about in the winter is ice dams. Just like the name suggests, these are chunks of ice that get stuck in the gutters. As they melt and new water comes onto your roofing, it gets stuck there and can't drain out. The dams in the gutters send it back over your roof, and there they can cause all kinds of damage. This standing water gets into your shingles and enters your attic. Water coming through will destroy your roof quickly. The way to prevent ice dams is to make sure your gutters are clear before the really serious weather hits. If you've already got them, get a professional roofer to take care of it for you.

Leaks In The Winter

With heavy snow fall in the winter season, leaks are a major concern. What happens is that you get snow on the roof, which isn't a bad thing, but it can start to melt. The dripping water combined with the weight on the roof can cause serious problems. The winter months are a time of major leaks in roofing. Keep your eyes open for damp spots or areas of discoloration on walls and ceilings. You may not see actual dripping water, but you can definitely tell when some part of the house is warped or funny-colored. You probably don't want to do any snow removal yourself, so call the experts and have them do it for you.

An Avalanche On The Roof

Another problem with heavy snow is that it can slide off, creating a mini-avalanche on top of your home. The snow's got to go somewhere, so parts of it break off and come crashing down from above. The main danger is for your gutters, which can be completely pulled off the house by a massive hunk of snow. It can also cause problems for shrubs and trees around the house. Snow can also build up and cause leaks if your house isn't properly insulated. A good prevention tip is to make sure that your insulation is intact before winter sets in and check your gutters. Getting your roof cleared of snow by a roofing company regularly is a good way also.

Unless you're a skilled roofing specialist, you probably don't want to get up there and mess with these problems yourself. You can climb a good ladder and clear out the gutters, but for real snow clearage you're going to need professional help. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on things up there so you can call the pros when you need them.