Have you prepared your house for winter weather? One of the most vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to winter storms is your roof. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage. Read on for tips from Winfield Builders, a top local roofing company.
Ice Damming
Ice damming can be a serious problem for your roof during the winter months. Ice dams develop when heat from inside your home and the warmth of the sun combine to melt snow and ice on your roof. The snowmelt then drips down to the edges of your roof, where it is colder, and refreezes. This creates an ice dam that prevents more meltwater from running off. Eventually, icicles can begin to form, which can tear down gutters, eaves and shingles.
One way to protect your roof from ice damming is to ensure your attic is properly ventilated. Exhaust vents, such as ridge vents, allow warm air to escape your attic, while intake vents let cool air enter. With a cooler attic, there’s less chance for snow and ice to melt.
Attic Condensation
Additionally, a properly vented roofing system can also protect your roof from attic condensation. When snow, ice and water accumulate on your roof, the warm air that escapes through your house can hit that cold roof deck in your attic and turn into moisture. This can lead to wood rot, which will negatively impact your roof from the inside out. As with ice dams, proper attic ventilation is also key to reducing attic condensation.
Snowmelt Runoff
During the winter season, you might notice ice and snow form on your roof and then melt several times over. This means you have standing or running water on your roof over and over again. Over time, the water will find cracks or openings in your roof surface. To prevent this from happening, you should have your roof inspected before winter and repair any damaged shingles ASAP.
For more inquiries regarding roof problems, get in touch with the professionals at Winfield Builders. We offer a wide range of home improvement services, including siding installation and more. Call us today at (410) 401-5045 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Annapolis and Columbia, MD.
