Winter Hazards for Your Roof
Winter hazards can be tough on your roof, especially in North Carolina where the weather can be unpredictable. Winters in North Carolina can have temperatures in the lower teens one day and upward of the higher seventies a day later. Even with what is considered a mild winter climate when compared to other states, extreme winter weather can bring snow, ice, and occasional hail wreaking havoc on your roof.
Read on to learn more about the particular hazards your roof may face this winter and things you can do to protect your roof.
Winter Roof Protection Measures:
Heavy snowfall: When snow accumulates on your roof, it can add extra weight and strain to the structure. This is especially dangerous for roofs that are already damaged or in need of repair. If you have a flat or low-pitched roof, it's important to have it regularly inspected and cleared of snow to prevent collapse. If you have a steep-sloped roof, consider hiring a professional to remove snow and ice to avoid falling and injury.
Ice dams: An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from draining off. As the water backs up behind the dam, it can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation. To prevent ice dams, make sure your roof is well-insulated and ventilated, and clear any snow and ice from the eaves and gutters.
Extreme cold: Cold temperatures can cause shingles to become brittle and break, and can also cause roofing materials to contract and expand, leading to cracks and leaks. To protect your roof from the cold, make sure it is in good repair and consider adding an extra layer of insulation.
Icicles: Icicles bring a sense of awe and beauty they way the hand from a roof’s edge. However, the weight of icicles can cause gutter damage. This can be prevented by ensuring gutters are clear and not filled with snow and other debris.
Flashing: Flashing leaks will lead to more extreme and costly damage if not fixed. Melting snow or rainwater seeps through damaged flashing and leads to leaks around chimneys, windows, and vents. Protect your flashing by having a roofing expert inspect it before winter weather fully settles in.
Freezing rain: In a winter storm, heavy freezing rain can do as much damage as the wind. They can make preexisting roof weak spots worse. Freezing rain will then become a solid sheet of ice on a roof which will leave the roof vulnerable to expansion damage when it thaws.
Hail. It may seem like hail is only a summer concern, but hail happens in North Carolina in the winter. Hail is formed when a water droplet is lifted above the freezing point of the atmosphere by an updraft during a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms happen in winter with enough regularity that there is an old wives tale attached to it. ‘If it thunders in winter, that means snow in ten days.’ The Insurance Information Institute estimates that annual claims for hail damage cost insurers between $8 billion and $14 billion.
Temperature and Weather Changes
It is said if you don't like the weather in North Carolina just wait a day. The North Carolina Climate can go from below-freezing to balmy spring temperature in less than 48 hours. The up and down of these temperatures and extreme fluctuations will also cause stress on your roofing structure. With the extreme cold, materials will contract, and with a rapid change to warm temperatures, material in the roof structure will expand. Excessive contraction and expansion will weaken a roofing structure. As the regularity of these fluctuations continues, the ability of the roof to withstand the up and down temperatures declines. The cycle of expansion and contraction will significantly reduce the lifespan of a room and in extreme cases can cause seams to rip and severed flashing. These can lead to costlier roof expenses later.
By taking steps to protect your roof from winter hazards, you can help ensure the longevity and integrity of your home.
If you're unsure about the condition of your roof or have concerns about winter weather, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional roofing contractor. Reach out to the certified experts at NKS Contracting LLC today to have your roof inspected and ready for winter weather.
Conclusion
We at NKS Contracting are roofing professionals that can look at your roof and tell if shingle damage is a threat to your house. We'll check the gutters and tree limbs over the roof to ascertain their danger to the house. If repairs can save the roof, we'll tell you so. We'll also tell you if the roof is too far gone or too old to keep.
Our priority is saving you money on damages done to the house from a faulty roof. Call us today at 919-701-6504.
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