How Winter Weather Can Affect Your Roof

Last updated 4 months ago

Falling frozen objects put your roof at risk during the wintertime. Read this article to learn more about winter weather risks so you can defend against water leaks and heat loss:

Water Leaks: Frigid winds can quickly cause havoc for your home’s roof. The repeated melting and freezing of packed snow and ice can easily dislodge roofing materials, allowing moisture to seep underneath and enter your home. Improper ventilation of the attic can cause dangerous ice buildup, as can debris from hanging plants, which clogs gutters and roof valleys, blocking water runoff paths.
Shingle Damage: Your current roof material may be particularly susceptible to damage from ice and snow. Investigate the cold-resistant properties of various roofing materials when considering a pre-season replacement. Asphalt roofing is most vulnerable to the chill of winter winds, and brittle slate materials are susceptible to impacts from falling ice. Rubber and metal roofs are durable, yet can be affected by extreme temperature shifts. Metal roofing materials may develop visible dents from falling hail.
Health and Safety Risks: Winter weather problems revolve primarily around frozen build-up causing damage to the roof, which can gradually deteriorate materials down to the home’s foundation. Ceilings loosened by moisture can put your family at risk for injury. In addition, the dampness caused by water from melting ice may promote mold growth inside of walls. The toxic spores that result can cause serious respiratory issues for family members. If you notice any signs of discoloration or softened drywall on walls or ceilings, call your roofing company right away for an inspection.

To avoid the need for repairs, remove ice and snow buildup from your home’s roof right away. Trust your winter-damaged roof to the experts at Penfolds Roofing Inc.—call us at (604) 254-4663 to learn more about our services.