When most people think about the dangers of winter, they think about slippery sidewalks and dangerous driving conditions. However, one of the biggest dangers of winter is the impact that snow and ice can have on your roof. That’s why the Boise roofers at Madison Roofing would like to discuss some of the ways that snow and ice can damage your roof, as well as some tips for preventing damage.
Snow and Ice Brings On Roof Stress
Snow and ice can cause a great deal of stress to your roof, leading to damage like:
- Cracked or broken tiles – As snow and ice pile up on the roof, they can stress the tiles that make up your roof. This pressure can lead to cracking or breaking tiles.
- Deformation – Snow, and ice can also cause deformation in some roofs. In particular, flat roofs are especially vulnerable to this kind of damage.
- Leaks – One of the biggest risks associated with snow and ice is leaks. If water gets into a crack or crevice in your roof caused by snow or ice piling up, it could seep through the cracks and create a leak inside your home.
Preventing Snow and Ice Damage to Your Roof
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect your roof from damage caused by snow and ice.
- Regular Maintenance – Keeping up with regular maintenance on your roof is a great way to make sure it is in good condition before the winter months begin. This includes removing any debris that might be stuck between tiles, filling in cracks or holes, and making sure all tiles are firmly secured.
- Snow Removal – Removing snow from your roof regularly during the winter months helps to prevent too much weight from building up. You can use a roof rake or hire a professional snow removal service to keep your roof safe.
- Ice Shields – Installing an ice shield on your roof is another way to protect it from damage. An ice shield is a waterproof plastic sheet you install over your roof tiles before the winter season begins. This helps to keep water and moisture out, which can help prevent leaks due to ice or snow buildup.
Taking steps like these can help ensure that your roof survives the winter unscathed and keeps you safe during the cold months. If you haven’t already, check in on your roof’s condition and take any necessary precautions against snow and ice damage this season.
Snow and Ice Can Cause Ice Dams
Snow and ice can also lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams form when the snow melts due to warmth from the attic and refreezes, creating an icy buildup at the edge of your roof. Ice dams can cause significant damage to shingles, resulting in water leakage into the home.
Preventing Ice Dams
There are several steps you can take to help prevent the formation of ice dams:
- Insulate Your Attic – Keeping a well-insulated attic helps keep heat from escaping and melting snow too quickly on your roof. This will reduce the chances of an ice dam forming.
- Install Heat Cables – Heat cables are thin wires installed along your roof’s edges to keep the snow and ice from melting. This can help reduce the formation of ice dams, as well as make it easier to remove snow from your roof.
- Install Gutter Covers – Installing gutter covers on your home’s gutters will help prevent water from backing up and refreezing on your roof. This will also help reduce the risk of an ice dam forming.
Taking steps like these can decrease the chances of an ice dam forming on your roof, which can lead to costly damage if left unchecked.
Get Winter Roof Maintenance from Madison Roofing
If you’re looking for help maintaining your roof during the winter months, the Boise roofers at Madison Roofing can help. Our experienced team of professionals will inspect your roof and perform any necessary maintenance to keep it safe from snow and ice damage. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 344-5379 to learn more about our roof maintenance services.
