It’s not even November and Northern Colorado has seen multiple snowfalls and plenty of days of cold, rainy weather. This is the norm for this area, so you may be ready to handle the change in seasons, but is your roof? The winter season, and the snow that comes with it, can wreak havoc on your roof if you’re aware of the damage it can cause and how to prevent it. So before the next snowfall, get in touch with a Loveland roofing contractor who has the experience and knowledge to take care of whatever issues arise in the next six months or so.

Five of the Most Common Winter Roofing Issues

Ice Dams

When there has been a snow heavy enough to stick, keep an eye on how much is on your roof and if there are any icicles hanging. The formation of ice dams is gradual and starts when the warm air from the inside of your home rises into the attic. The shingles on the roof will begin to warm, causing the snow to melt. This water travels to the edge of your roof and refreezes, causing an ice dam. This will cause snow to build up, allowing water to squeeze into spaces between the shingles. As the water expands as it freezes, the spaces will get bigger, increasing the risk of leaks into your home. Here’s how you can prevent this:

• Clean out the gutters in late fall, or as soon as possible if you haven’t done so.
• Remove any built-up snow that sits around your gutters.
• Insulate and ventilate the attic to keep it cool.
• Install heating cables along the gutters to prevent water from freezing.

Icicles

These form the same way as ice dams, and can cause damage to roof shingles and the gutters. To prevent these from forming, the best method is to block any air leaks that are in the roof and to ensure that the roof is properly insulated. As icicles form, use a rake to break them away from the gutters. Just be careful that they don’t fall on you or anyone else.

Attic Condensation

Cold snow on top and warm air below the roof is a recipe for condensation to form. Condensation can lead to mold and rotting wood if not caught in time. To prevent this, properly ventilate the attic and block any leaks that will allow warm air from below to enter the attic.

Heavy Snow

After a heavy Loveland snowstorm, the weight of the snow on your roof could be enough to cause severe damage. Roofs can only handle so much weight, and each roof is designed differently. This is especially risky when a roof was poorly constructed. The weight of the snow will stress the structure of the roof and cause it to creak, leak, or cause the ceiling to sag. If you see or hear any signs of excess weight on your roof, be sure to call a roofing contractor right away.

Existing Problems

If any shingles on your roof or the flashing is loose, heavy snow and freezing and thawing water will make these issues worse. If bad enough, it could cause gutter seams to open. Before there is a heavy storm, be sure to have a Loveland roofer inspect each part of your roof.

The team at Denali Roofing wants you and your home to be safe this winter season. Before the next snowfall, get in touch with our roofing company for a full inspection.