How Does Snow Affect My Roof

It may only be November, but winter is fast approaching. Winter weather can have some rough effects on your roof, so it is important to be aware of the risks ahead of time. Southern Illinois roofing company, Integrity Roofing and Exteriors, has put together a handy guide about winter weather and the risks posed to your roof. 

 

Snow

Snow accumulates on your roof, which in dramatic and severe instances, can cause the roof to collapse. While this is rare, the chances of it happening are increased if your roof hasn’t had any maintenance or repairs for awhile. 

 

So, what’s the solution? Schedule a roof inspection now, before winter weather sets in. A roofing contractor can check your roof and alert you of any necessary repairs. 

 

Ice

Hanging icicles are a beautiful part of the winter season. However, they pose a huge risk to your roof. Why is that? Icicles are an indication of your roof having ice dams. Ice dams are a build up of ice that form on or around the eaves of your roof. Ice dams are formed when a roof has uneven heat, allowing water or snow to freeze, melt, and refreeze. They lead to gutter damage and can even work their way beneath your shingles and into your home.

 

How to fix ice dams? There are a couple of different methods you can try. First, you can manually remove them using a roof rake. This is a temporary fix, however. For a more permanent solution, you should change the temperature of your roof. This can be done by fixing a heated cable to the edge of your roof, insulating your attic, or adding flashing around the chimney.

 

Winter Roof Care with Integrity

Ready to get your roof inspected before winter sets in? Contact your trusted Southern Illinois roofing company to schedule your inspection. The team at Integrity will help make sure that your roof is in good shape for winter.