It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year–winter! For those of us living in the great state of Massachusetts, that usually means lots and lots of snow. While snow is great for making snowmen and the occasional snowball fight, it’s not necessarily the best when piled in excess on top of your roof. Although your roof was built to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear, it can only take so much before problems start to occur. If you or someone you know is struggling with some of these common roofing issues in the winter, know that you are not alone, and there is a solution for the issues you are facing. We will help you get through these winter months safely and in the comforts of a warm home.
Excess Snow Build-Up
As residents of Boston’s North Shore in Massachusetts, we live in a geographic area that is susceptible to heavy snowfall. And although snowflakes are light and beautiful individually, when they accumulate their excess weight puts a strain on the structure of your roof. Additionally, as the snow falls and melts, a new source for potential leaks is created. Checking the integrity of your roofing system prior to snowfall is a smart move.
Leaky Flashing
“Flashing” refers to the strips of metal that are installed on the corners, ridges, and front edge of your roof as well as around the skylights and chimneys on your roof. A sloped roof and flashing can be a recipe for leaks during snowy and inclement weather–especially if the flashing wasn’t installed professionally. The best way to prevent leaky flashing is to get it inspected every six months and have it installed by professionals. Getting your roof inspected prior to the winter season will also help prevent more leaks that could have been avoided!
Excess Condensation
As the cold winter air outside comes into contact with the warm air circulating through your home, condensation begins to build up. If your home is insulated properly, this normally isn’t an issue. However, for those homes where it’s been a while since the insulation was installed or if it was improperly installed, it may cause a build-up of moisture inside your home; especially in the attic. This excess condensation can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew and could damage the internal structure of your home over time. A quick check-up on your insulation and ventilation before the winter season could save you a lot of trouble during the winter months.
Windy Conditions
More often than not, the winter season brings windy conditions right alongside it. When the wind speeds get high enough, it can do some serious damage to your roof. Severe windy conditions can loosen the shingles on your roof and even cause them to be blown off entirely, making your entire roofing system susceptible to unwanted moisture and damage. If you are noticing your roof shingles on the ground around your home, it may be time to call in a professional to take a look at your roof and assess the damage.
Icicles and Ice Dams
Icicles and ice dams happen as your roof begins to thaw and refreeze as the temperatures fluctuate throughout the winter season. Ice dams can cause water to pool on your roof and eventually seep through the cracks or through the existing damage on your roof. Additionally, both icicles and ice dams add extra weight to your roof and can cause damage to your roof and gutters if left for a prolonged period of time. And although going out in the cold and knocking the icicles and ice dams off your roof is an option, it’s best to have your roof inspected prior to the winter to make sure any damage that can cause these leaks has been repaired. It’s better to be proactive with your roofing needs than react once the damage has been done.
Trees and Tree Limbs
Trees add a certain level of curb appeal to your home and are beautiful scenery. However, trees can pose a threat to your home during the winter as they begin to get weighed down by the snow and ice. Tree branches and limbs can fall on and scrape the surface of your roof and cause damage to your roof. If you have trees around your property that are closer than six feet to your home, it may be a good decision to look into getting the branches trimmed back for the winter season.
Squirrels and Other Critters
You don’t see too many critters running out and about during the winter months. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t found a way into your home and are nesting there. If there is a small hole or gap on your roof, these critters will find a way in and can cause more damage to your roof and internal structures in the process. If you want to avoid this problem, get your roof inspected before the winter arrives and have all entry points sealed.
Let A&A Services Fix Your Winter Roofing Issues
Performing roofing work is dangerous all times of the year, and roofing during the winter is absolutely not a project to take on yourself. The stakes are high and the potential to get hurt is even higher with the icy conditions. Winter roofing is best left to the professionals who have been trained and have years of experience under their belt. The roofing professionals at A&A Services have been trained to perform roofing services with minimal risk–especially during the winter months.
With that being said, most of these common winter roofing issues can be prevented entirely or prevented from getting worse by getting a roof inspection done prior to the winter season. There is still time to be proactive with your roof and get your inspection done before the winter officially begins.
If you are currently looking for roofing services in Boston’s North Shore area, contact us for a free estimate on your next roofing project.
