As the weather gets colder and we begin to see snow in the forecast in Fort Collins, it’s time to consider how the snow may affect the condition of your roof. After all, your roof protects your home, your belongings, and your family. It’s an essential and necessary part of your home that must be well-maintained and cared for. During the summer months, you may not notice anything wrong with your roof, but once your roof becomes subjected to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, you may begin to have problems. 

The winter weather can cause roofing problems such as sagging, roof collapse, ice dams, icicles, and attic condensation that can all threaten the integrity of your roof and home. With the help of an experienced Fort Collins roofing company, you can ensure that your roof is in good shape and can continue to protect your home all throughout the winter. The team at Denali Roofing can provide you with a free roof inspection and we offer preventative roof maintenance, roof repair services, and roof replacements. Contact us today.  

Roof Damage Caused By Snow

One of the most obvious problems that can occur during a Fort Collins winter is roof damage from snow. Your roof is only designed to hold so much weight and snow can be heavy enough to cause it to sag or collapse. Roofs with a steeper pitch, typically at 30 degrees or more, are designed to shed snow so that it does not accumulate on your roof and cause problems. However, the direction of the wind, the material of your roof, and the weight of the snow are all factors that determine how much snow remains on your roof. 

Ice Dam Formation on Your Roof

Ice dams are another real risk to your roof and home during the winter months. When you heat the interior of your home, it heats the bottom of your roof as well if your insulation and ventilation system are not sufficient. This causes the snow or ice to melt, but it doesn’t melt quite enough to run off of your roof. Instead, the water refreezes in dam formations on your roof. Once ice dams are formed, this series of events occur again and again and the dams grow. This not only adds a significant amount of weight to your roof but also makes it much more likely that you’ll experience leaks. When the snow melts from the heat inside your home, the water has to go somewhere, and if the gutters are blocked by ice dams, it often seeps through shingles and into your home. 

Icicles Forming on Your Roof

In a climate like that of Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming, icicles are a normal part of life in the winter and many people find them beautiful. Smaller icicles on your home aren’t necessarily anything to worry about, but if the icicles are larger, it could be a sign that you also have ice dams forming on your roof. Icicles are created the same way that ice dams are. When the interior of your roof warms, it melts the snow and it slowly drips off of your roof and then refreezes while dripping. Icicles can form on your gutters and cause damage and falling icicles can be dangerous. However, those problems are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to icicles. Larger icicles are a sign that something isn’t quite right with your roof insulation or ventilation which can often lead to the formation of ice dams and a leaky, damaged roof.

Attic Condensation Problems

With the formation of ice dams also comes attic condensation problems. These problems can surface when snow is allowed to remain on the roof as well. The root of the problem really comes down to your roof ventilation system and occasionally a malfunctioning appliance or plumbing. Attic condensation can lead to mold and wood rot, both of which can endanger your family by causing health problems. The key to preventing attic condensation problems as well as ice dams and icicles is a well-maintained roofing ventilation system and regular preventative roof maintenance. 

Denali Roofing – Your Local Fort Collins Roofing Company

If you are having any of the problems we discussed above due to the winter weather, Denali Roofing is here to help. Whether you’ve noticed your roof sagging, leaking around your skylights, or another roof problem, our expert roofing contractors can help determine the cause and repair or replace your roof as needed. Contact us today and we’ll provide you with a free roof inspection.