During the winter throughout Colorado, including in Lakewood, roofing systems are at risk for damage. Roofs both new and old may experience problems due to the winter weather. As your Lakewood roofing company, All Seasons Exterior will make sure that your roof is restored to its former strength after winter roof damage. But, understanding the types of winter roof damage that can impact your roof will also be helpful in preventing extensive roofing problems.
Here, we’ll discuss the main types of winter roof damage for Colorado homeowners. By taking steps to prepare your roof before the winter season, mainly by having your roof inspected so that any necessary repairs can be made, you can minimize roof damage during the coldest time of the year.
Ice dams are one of the most harmful types of winter roofing damage. An ice dam is a frozen ridge on the edge of a roofing system, and it most commonly occurs after snowstorms. When snow from the center of your roof melts and flows outward, then re-freezes due to inconsistent surface temperatures, an ice dam has formed.
Inconsistent temperatures on the surface of your roof may occur for a couple of different reasons. The main reason, however, is that your attic is lacking insulation. Without adequate insulation, your attic will cause heat from your home to impact the temperature of your roof. This will disproportionately impact the middle of the roof, leading to higher temperatures in the center of your roof than at the edges.
There are multiple harmful effects of ice dams, most of which stem from trapped moisture on your roof. When an ice dam forms, it prevents water from draining off of your roof properly. In this winter, this water won’t be able to dry quickly and may seep into the inner layers of your roofing system. This can cause:
Icicles are another winter roofing problem that typically stem from uneven roofing temperatures. While icicles are beautiful and don’t seem particularly problematic, they can be dangerous to anyone walking below. Additionally, icicles can cause damage to your gutter system and roof shingles.
Ensuring that your attic is properly insulated will help prevent icicle formation. Additionally, if icicles do form, you can remove them by mounting a ladder. Only do this if it’s safe to do so! The ladder must be securely placed, and never set foot on your roof if it’s icy.
Poor attic insulation can cause condensation. This problem isn’t generally as damaging as ice dams or icicles. However, the excess moisture can have similar effects, including mold and mildew formation, water-damaged walls and ceilings, and deteriorated roofing materials. Any wooden materials in your roofing system in Lakewood are particularly vulnerable to deterioration from excess condensation.
Attic insulation and ventilation will help prevent condensation and excess moisture.to prevent winter roof damage, have your Colorado roofers check your roof’s insulation and ventilation. Roofers can pinpoint weak spots and recommend improvements that will prevent winter roof damage.
If ice forms and accumulates in your gutter system, you could be facing some major gutter damage. Here in Lakewood, temperatures in the winter can easily drop below freezing. If a chunk of ice formed in your gutter system, it may even cause the gutters to crack and detach from your home.
You can often avoid damage to your gutter system in the winter (and throughout the year) by having them cleaned regularly. Build-up debris in the gutters is usually the root of significant gutter damage. Enlisting the help of professionals for gutter cleaning will ultimately be more cost-effective than having to replace your gutter system altogether due to major winter damage.
For all of your roofing needs, both during the winter and all year round, contact All Seasons Exteriors. We’re here to protect the condition of your roofing system in Lakewood.
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