Most Treasure Valley homeowners feel a little apprehensive about winter snowfall for a few reasons. These include shoveling your driveway, driving on snowy roads, and more. However, winter can take quite a toll on your roof if you’ve neglected it. That’s why the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio has put together the following list of the most common winter roofing problems to look out for and what to do about them.
Snow Leaks
Water leaks can destroy your roof. In fact, it’s the number one thing that does. When snow builds up on your roof, it can infiltrate the surface of your roof when it begins to melt. The most common areas for snowmelt to cause winter roofing problems are around the roofline of your home, by the chimney, or in a valley.
Winter Winds
Winter winds can rip the shingles right off of your roof. Aggressive, heavy winds definitely have a habit of doing that in the winter than during any other season. If your roof is in good shape, the shingles should hold fast. However, if your roof is old and in disrepair, they are very much at risk. That’s why you should always check your roof from ground level to spot any areas of missing shingles that may have been ripped loose.
Heavy Snow Load
Heavy snow loads can be a catastrophic winter roofing issue. Thankfully, it isn’t very common in the Treasure Valley. Snow load is a term used that refers to the amount of weight your roof can handle from snow. If we get another snowpocalypse as we did a few years back, the extra weight can cause severe damage to your roof. In some cases, excessive snow load can cause your roof to collapse altogether.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a winter roofing problem where the snow on your roof melts but refreezes in the gutters. This creates a dam of solid ice on your roof edges that prevents water from draining. Pooled water can then leak into your roof, causing extensive water damage. That’s why it’s essential to clean your gutters every fall to prevent winter ice dams from developing.
Pacific Home & Patio
Any of these winter roofing issues could become serious if left ignored. However, if you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t want to get up on your roof and make any repairs yourself. That’s why the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio is available to handle your winter roofing emergencies. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 344-5379 today to request a free quote. We would be more than happy to talk with you and help you make informed decisions about your home.
