Snow, wind, and ice make winter one of the roughest times of the year for your roof. While it’s essential to be vigilant about inspecting your roof after the season for any problems these elements might have caused, you can also take action beforehand to avoid them. Here are some common types of damage you can minimize or prevent by hiring a roofing contractor before the season starts.

What Are Some Common Types of Winter Roof Damage?

1. Shifting Shingles

Frigid gale-force winds can really beat on your roof shingles during winter. The strong gusts can cause them to come loose and move around just enough to allow water to seep underneath. This can lead to mold and rot on the wood below, interior leaks, and increased energy usage as heat seeps out through these gaps. Your roofing contractor can add roofing cement to make it harder for the shingles to come loose. They can also replace any damaged ones before these winds and other harsh weather arrives. 

2. Ice Dams

These solid masses of ice occur around the edge of a roof after a snowfall. They then block any melted snow from running off, which causes a pool of water to form. This pool will then begin backing up into any cracks in the roof and flowing into the attic and spaces below. In the middle of winter, it’s hard to solve the problems causing ice dams. You’re only real solution is to have snow removed quickly from your roof. Acting early allows a roofing contractor to prevent heat from escaping the attic, which causes the temperature differences on your roof and the melting snow.

3. Mold Growth

Condensation is a common winter occurrence inside homes that have not been properly ventilated. It is caused by warm air rising through the attic and meeting the cold roof surface. This can lead to mold growth along the interior. If ice dams are allowed to occur, the moisture buildup can increase, resulting in an even larger mold problem throughout the drywall and insulation. Have your roofing contractor install a ventilation system or vapor retarder to improve the air flow and prevent this problem.

Winter is just around the corner. If you want to correct the roof problems that plagued you last year, now is the best time to contact the professionals at Lasco Roofing & Sheet Metal. Since 1982, these roofing contractors have provided commercial and residential roof repairs and installations to New Milford, CT. Call them today at (860) 355-8060 to discuss your repair or new roof needs and visit their website to learn more about their services.