The harsh Alaskan winter can wreak havoc on properties, especially roofing materials. A property’s first line of defense against the elements, this structure can sustain damage due to snow and ice accumulation. To help you stay safe this season, here’s all you need to know about how winter conditions affect roofing materials and what steps to take.

Potential Problems Posed by Snow & Ice

When snow collects on a roof, it doesn’t melt evenly. The snow at the top will melt first and refreeze by the time it reaches the edges, resulting in ice dams. The weight of these icicles may cause your gutters to sag, which prevents them from properly diverting moisture away from your property. As a result, you may notice water pooling around your foundation or leaking through the ceiling, posing a risk for costly water damage.

The weight of accumulated snowfall may also exceed what your roof is able to support. In the wake of blizzards, your roof might begin to sag or cave in. As the snow melts, moisture may leak through any weak points of your roofing materials, such as dislodged flashing or missing shingles. 

How to Protect Your Roof

Prevent ice dams by adding insulation and ventilation to your attic to keep the surface as warm as possible. This will promote even snow melting.

If you notice ice dams forming, melt them using a calcium chloride ice melter, or use a roof rake to remove them.

You can also prevent the load of snow from damaging your roof by raking it before it reaches one or two inches in depth. At the beginning of the season, schedule an inspection to ensure your roof is in top condition and able to support heavy loads. 

Keep your roofing materials resilient throughout the cold months with help from American Roofing. This roofing contractor offers installations and repairs to residential and commercial clients throughout the Anchorage, AK, area to ensure your roof is ready to face inclement weather. Visit their website to learn more about what they do, or call (907) 345-8700 to get an estimate and book an appointment.