Common Roof Issues Caused by Snow or Ice Damage

Winter is fast approaching; and with winter comes snow and ice. Yes, snow and ice can damage your roof, and when it does, it can lead to some pretty costly repairs. If you think your roof has been damaged by snow or ice, there’s no time to waste: call a professional before your roof leaks, or worse, collapses. 

We’ve outlined a few of the most common causes of roofing issues, along with three surefire ways to protect your home from winter’s havoc.

Common Issues Caused by Snow on Roof

Roof Leaks

When an ice dam forms (more on this later), snow accumulates on your roof. When this snow begins to melt, water won’t be able to drain and will end up permeating through weak spots in your roof. These leaks can lead to even bigger issues like mold and structural damage.

Weight

The weight of snow is enough to damage a roof, especially if your roof is old or neglected. Snow can weigh up to 30 pounds per cubic foot, which puts immense pressure on your roof. This pressure will build over time, potentially causing cracks and leaks in your roof.

Common Issues Caused by Ice on Roof

Ice Dams

Your gutter system plays a pivotal role in your home’s safety. Gutters and downspouts are designed to channel water off your roof and away from your property. When ice blocks water from draining, snow will continue to build and back up onto your roof, creating an ice dam. Ice dams are the main cause of roof leaks.

Freezing Cracks

When water freezes, it expands. If water has frozen itself into the cracks of your roof, there’s a high chance that the cracks will expand and put stress on your roof. These cracks will eventually be large enough for water to get through as snow and ice begin to melt.

3 Ways to Prevent Roof Damage Caused During the Winter

Roof damage prevention is something every homeowner should add to the top of their to-do list. Check out a few ways you can avoid roof damage caused by snow and ice:

1. Roof Inspection

A simple roof inspection can save a lot of time, money, and headaches. Regular roof inspections can catch minor issues before they turn into major problems. Get your roof professionally inspected before winter hits to make sure your roof is ready for the cold season.

2. Clear Gutters

Gutters are designed to flow water away from your property. When your gutter system is clogged, water won’t be able to channel through your gutters and into your downspouts. Stay up to date on your gutter cleaning schedule and ensure you clear your gutters six times a year. 

3. Removal Tools

Special tools like roof rakes can safely remove snow from your roof. Don’t climb on your roof to shovel or rake snow as this is a huge safety risk that expert roofers highly discourage. Climbing on your roof to remove snow is not only dangerous for you, but for your roof as well.

Read More: What to do When Your Pipes Freeze

Will Melted Ice Hurt Your Roof?

It can. Melted ice can find its way into the cracks of your roof where it can freeze, expand, and cause further damage. Plus, if water enters your home through your roof, you could end up dealing with problems like mold, stains, and respiratory issues.

Protect Your Home From Winter Roof Damage With CTR

When it comes to safeguarding your home from winter, choose Cleanup Tools & Restoration. For the past 30 years, we’ve been delivering quality water restoration services to residents in Southern Idaho. Our team promises to arrive on your property within 45 minutes or less to mitigate the damages and get to work on restoring your roof. Let’s take care of your property the way it deserves and get help today.