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Southern WI and Northern IL
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5 Most Common Winter Roofing Problems

5 Most Common Winter Roofing Problems

There’s more than what meets the eye when it comes to winters. Beyond the white blanket, your home and roof face rapid temperature fluctuations through the freeze-thaw cycles, pushing your home to its limits. The harsh weather and freezing temperatures bring out all the problems and vulnerabilities, affecting everything from the plumbing to the doorframes. 

Basswood Roofing provides high-quality winter roofing services as well as commercial snow removal services using ice melters, winter salts, or liquid deicers based on the requirement. We are dedicated to making sure your roof and homes stay safe and sound all year long. We also provide a free roof damage assessment and same-day emergency services in the areas of Southern WI and Northern IL. 
Always be prepared! 

The battle against the biting cold is won when we prepare for it, equipping ourselves with the right tools and information. Here are the 5 most common winter roofing problems to be wary of this winter:

Ice dams

Ice dams are the bane of winters for our roofs. Ice dams are formed due to heat escaping through the gaps in the insulation in the roofs. This melts the snow resting on the roof, which reaches the eaves and freezes over because of the drop in temperature. The water has nowhere to flow, freezes, and clogs the gutters. There are various problems that arise because of the formation of these ice dams. Ice dam removal is a cumbersome and potentially dangerous process. This can damage the roof structure as it adds a heavy load to the roof, along with moisture damage to the shingles and the underlying roof structure. Ice dam prevention products available in your local hardware store are an easier solution to this problem. Read through our previous blog to understand how to, safely, de-ice your roof.

Snow load 

Under the harsh weather conditions, the snow load and ice dams add additional pressure to the roof. An issue like this can completely ruin your roof and your house - but it is not a very common occurrence. It can occur when the roof has not been regularly maintained, or has internal damage and is not structurally sound. The additional weight of the snow load can cause the roof to collapse inwards. Basswood Roofing provides same-day emergency services, as well as other winter roofing services. 

Condensation

Insulation has a very important role throughout winter, to not only keep your home warm but also to protect your roof through the season. Condensation typically occurs when warm air touches a colder surface. This rarely causes a lot of damage because roofs are built to handle condensation. However, a lot of condensation occurring throughout winter can lead to the shingles getting damaged. Roof insulation addresses this problem, helping to balance the temperature without letting the winters damage your roof. It is better to have a pre-season check and get insulation installed before the winter to avoid problems later.

Hail damage 

Hail can be extremely damaging to your roof, and since hail strikes are largely inevitable, it is always better to be prepared than to face the wrath of nature down the line. There are enough solutions today to reinforce your roof against hail damage. This includes regular checkups and preventive maintenance. You can refer to our blogs to note the checklist you need to prepare your roof for the harsh winter. 

Snap tree limbs

Trees add a natural shade to your home in the summers and beautifully change their colors in the fall. The roof, being one of the most exposed parts of a house, is constantly subject to the laws of nature. Trees with branches with an overhang, pose a risk to the roof, especially during winters. Because of the freezing temperatures, constant fluctuations followed by condensation on the branches, they become fragile. These branches can then fall on your roof, damage the shingles, siding, or power lines becoming very dangerous and potentially fatal if not addressed. Damaged shingles lead to moisture seeping and causing damage to the roof structure. If you live in an area filled with trees, preventive maintenance and measures can be undertaken to avoid issues later. You can prune the trees during fall, clear them of the snow in winter and remove the cracked limbs in spring. 
Roofing in cold weather can be a long and tiresome process. It is always advisable to be prepared for the winter. It is helpful to have a stock of the following at home:
  • Winter salts or ice melter salts
  • Ice dam prevention products
  • Liquid deicer for roads and roofs
  • Roof ice melt products
  • Ice-picks and snow rakes 
It is also advisable to be aware of the providers of snow removal solutions, ice dam removal services, winter roof repair, and winter roofing services in your area to have timely access in an emergency. 

CONTACT BASSWOOD:

Basswood Roofing provides winter roof repair and other winter roofing services. We also provide same-day emergency services in the areas of Southern WI and Northern IL.
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