How to Mitigate Winter Roof Damage

The winter season can inflict damage to the roof, some of which can be prevented or mitigated. In today’s post, local roof repair contractor Home Pro Exteriors shares a quick guide on how to mitigate winter roof damage. 

Common Winter Roofing Problems

The following are the roofing problems that usually happen during the winter season:

Ice damming. Ice damming happens on roofs with poorly-ventilated and insulated attics. When trapped heat in the attic raises the roof temperature to above freezing, it melts the snow on the rooftop. The melted snow flows towards the roof edge where it refreezes, forming a dam that gets bigger over time, resulting in icicles and water backing up the roof edge.

Attic condensation. Heat and moisture tends to move upwards and can become trapped in the attic if without proper ventilation. Condensation can form when humid air hits the cold roof deck, and can cause wood rot and damage to attic insulation. It can also contribute to mold growth that can spread to other parts of the house.

How to Mitigate Winter Roofing Problems

Regular roof and attic inspections can help prevent an unplanned roof replacement and give you the opportunity to mitigate winter roof damage. Climb into the attic and look out for issues that may lead to the roofing problems described above. Trapped heat and humidity can be immediately felt upon climbing the attic. Look out for signs that indicate damage caused by heat and moisture, such as clumping insulation, delaminated wood, and rusty streaks coming from nailheads. Call a roofing professional if you notice these signs — the sooner they’re addressed, the lower the risks of further roof damage.

How Can Your Roofer Help?

Your roofer will need to address two key problems: poor insulation and ventilation. There are many types of insulation that can be applied, depending on how your attic is built and used. Loose-laid insulation is typically used on unconverted attic spaces, while fiberglass blankets are installed inside the attic floor cavities, under the floorboards. Expanding foam or recycled paper insulation can be installed under the roof deck.

Attic ventilation can be fixed by installing vents at the roof peak or ridges. Warm and humid air naturally moves towards these vents, creating negative pressure that pulls cool air through the soffit vents. Ridge vents can be supplemented by exhaust fans.

Home Pro Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing and siding services. Give us a call at (845) 513-3682. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Middletown, NY, and the surrounding communities.