How Snow and Ice Impact Your Roof
Your roof keeps winter snow and ice out of your house. But roofing on Saint Paul homes isn’t immune to the impact of winter precipitation, leading to anything from minor leaks to major structural damage.
Hire a roofing company in St Paul to ensure your roof is ready for rough weather.
Snow Weight Can Cause Roofing on Saint Paul Homes to Collapse
Winter storms bring a lot of snow. And it accumulates on your roof, weighing it down; a cubic foot of snow can weigh 30 pounds.
Not all snowfall is equal. Light, fluffy snow isn’t a problem, unless it melts and refreezes as layers of ice on roofing on St. Paul, MN, homes. But heavy snow – especially when mixed with ice or sleet – creates thick layers that put immense strain on your roof.
Likewise, not all roofs are equally at risk. Flat or low-pitched roofs are at greater risk of collapse, as the snow cannot slide off.
Do not allow snowfall to accumulate deeper than six inches. Invest in a snow rake before winter arrives, or hire roofing companies in St. Paul to remove snow along the lower edge of your roof.
Ensure Your Roof Is in Good Condition Before Winter
If your roof decking has any weak points, it is in greater danger of collapse. If it is old, or you see any sign of sagging, contact roofing companies in St. Paul to perform an inspection and do any necessary repairs.
Even if you have more minor damage – such as curling or cracked shingles or a couple of places where they are missing – get a Saint Paul roofing contractor to fix these issues right away. Otherwise, they could result in water leaking into your home all winter long.
Melting and Refreezing of Snow Results in the Formation of Ice Dams
If your ceiling and attic space isn’t adequately insulated, or if fixtures like extractor fans aren’t properly vented, heat escapes through the roof far too quickly. Not only does this drive your heating bills up; it also results in the snow on your roof melting.
The meltwater then runs down toward the gutters. Here it refreezes, forming dangerous ice dams that block the gutters and result in hanging icicles. The weight damages gutters and their brackets, and falling icicles can cause serious harm to anyone below.
As more water arrives at an ice dam, it backs up behind it, into your roof. St. Paul roofing contractors see the results all too often: damaged shingles, leaks in walls that allow mold and mildew to proliferate, rotting wood, and sometimes even cracking of the foundation slab.
Altogether, ice dams have the potential to cause extensive damage to your home’s structure. Preventing them is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner.
Head Off Snow and Ice Problems: Contact the Best Roofing Company in St. Paul
You and your family deserve the safety and security of a sound roof. Preventative maintenance and a professional inspection can mean the difference between a warm and cozy winter and costly damages due to snow and ice.
Get a free onsite inspection from North End Construction today! 