A strong roof is designed to protect your home from all of the elements of winter weather, including snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. However, if the structure isn’t intact or is improperly installed, these elements can cause damage that will require the need for costly roof repair. To help you avoid roofing emergencies this winter, here are a few common problems to watch out for and how you can prevent them.

3 Roof Problems to Watch For This Winter

1. Condensation

Condensation forms when the hot air inside your home meets the cold atmosphere outdoors. This moisture can penetrate the insulation of your attic, causing extensive water damage and increasing the risk of mold and mildew. If left unaddressed, condensation can increase the risk of ice dams and reduce the life span of your roofing system.

Similar to resolving ice dams, preventing condensation is all about how you direct heat through your home. To ensure that hot air does not collide with the roof’s cool surface, install vents that concentrate the flow of heat away from the structure. Replacing insufficient or old insulation can also help restrict the heat pattern.

2. Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when snow sitting on top of the roof melts due to rising hot air inside the home. When the snow melts, the water drips down to the cooler edge of the roof, where it will freeze. This resulting ice dam will make it impossible for melting snow to reach the gutters. Over time, this excess moisture can cause excessive leaking and water damage.

To better manage the airflow and prevent ice dams, have a roofing contractor install proper attic ventilation, so heat can properly escape.  Updating insulation in the attic can also help absorb heat before it reaches to the roof’s surface.

3. Tree Damage

When trees take on the extra weight of snow and ice, their hefty branches can snap and fall off. Similarly, high winds during winter storms may cause tree limbs to snap off. In addition to posing serious safety issues, this debris can fall onto your property. In some cases, the impact may be strong enough to puncture the structure and create a leak that requires roof repair.

To reduce the risk of tree damage, it’s best to identify potential risks ahead of time. If there are any trees hanging over your home, have them trimmed so that they do not pose a risk of falling on top.

If you’re concerned about winter’s wrath on your home, Shrum Roofing & Construction can provide you with peace of mind. Serving the Waterloo, IL, and Greater St. Louis area, these roofing contractors are equipped to handle jobs both big and small. If you need roof repair after a tree falls, this team will provide timely, reliable, and cost-effective assistance to restore your home. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (618) 977-3425 to schedule roof repairs.