How Winter Weather Can Damage Your Shingle Roof

From frozen pipes to foundation cracks, winter weather can take a nasty toll on our homes. And while they’re designed to last for a few decades before needing to be replaced, shingle roofs are incredibly vulnerable to adverse winter conditions. Continue reading to learn how winter weather affects shingle roofs and how Michigan’s best roofing companies can help:

• Ice dams: The first cause for concern with a shingle roof is an ice dam. Ice dams form when snow melts on the top of the roof, drips down to the edge and then re-freezes. As ice dams grow larger, they can lead to leaks or a roof collapse. Ensuring your attic is well insulated helps mitigate the risk of ice dams each winter.
• Wind: Strong winds can easily lift the edges of shingles and even blow them away. Wind storms become even more dangerous if trees surround the home, as they could collapse at a moment’s notice. Trim your trees and inspect your shingles to make sure they’re all secure on your roof.
• Hail: One could argue that hail is a shingle roof’s number one enemy. Even small hail chunks can puncture an asphalt shingle and lead to an interior leak. The only good part about hail damage is that insurance typically covers the cost of repairs or replacement.

Signs of winter weather damage

Due to hazardous conditions, we never recommend getting up on your roof to look for damage. Luckily, that’s typically not necessary. Obvious signs of damage include missing shingles, sagging roof sections, wet attic insulation or water spots on the ceiling. If anything seems strange, contact one of Michigan’s best roofing companies to see what needs to be done.

I think my roof is damaged—now what?

Time is of the essence when you think your roof has been damaged by winter weather. Here’s how a roofing company will handle everything once you give them a call:

• Inspect: The first thing your roofers will do is inspect your roof for damage. Experienced pros can safely get on your roof and check for any signs that it’s compromised. They may also check the attic and upper floors of your home for other signs of existing leaks.
• Repair: If the damage isn’t too bad, your roofers may be able to make minor repairs or replace some shingles. Because roof work can’t be performed in all types of weather, you may have to wait until the forecast clears up a bit for these repairs to be performed.
• Replace: When the damage is too severe or your roof is on the older side, it may be a better idea to replace it. Upgrading to a new metal roof can prevent many of the problems mentioned above while saving you a boatload on your energy bills.

Whether you’re dealing with ice dams or a few missing shingles, hire the pros at Qualified Roofing to take a look. Give us a call today to get a free quote or to learn why we’re one of Michigan’s best roofing companies.

Categorised in: Roof Repair