Your roof is designed to handle winter weather if it’s kept in good condition and any snowfalls are not of prolific and historical amounts. Below are five ways that snow can cause damage or lead to roof failure that will require the services of professional roofers to fix.

1. Snow Weight and Roof Failure

The weight of a few inches of snow on a rooftop can prove stressful. A newer roof or one in excellent condition can normally withstand the pressure and weight up to a couple of feet without trouble, but any weaknesses on the surface or in the structure can lead to catastrophic roof failure. It can cause serious injuries and damage to the home that cost thousands of dollars to repair. There are additional insights at Cherry and Clark roofing and you may learn more from their resources.

2. Snow Melting and Refreezing Over and Under Asphalt Shingles

Fluffy snow can turn into hard sheets of ice once the cycle of melting and refreezing begins. It begins to take place after the first 24-hours following a snow storm. The snow will begin to melt and drips beneath the shingles. As the water refreezes when temperatures plummet at night, the shingles are pushed off and away from thew surface of the roof. It can lead to large areas of damage that will require replacement of the shingles by qualified roofers.

3. Ice Dams and Gutter Clogs

Another problem that melting snow can cause is an ice dam or blockage in your gutter. It forces the water to build up on the surface of the roof, eventually becoming a huge block of ice. It creates areas of water damage to the roof and can collapse the gutters. It’s normally caused by a lack of proper insulation in your attic. Insulation keeps the interal heat of the home from melting the snow on the roof.

4. Tree Limb Collapse

Large snowfalls can lead to big limbs cracking and falling from the trees near your roof. One big strike on your roof can cause extensive damage. Make sure that you have no tree limbs hanging over or near the roof of your home. It;s easier to prevent the problem rather than fix the holes and damage it causes.

5. Flashing Damage

The strips of metal that protect your roof from moisture damage are called flashing. It’s located anywhere you have a joining of one roofing section to another. It covers the seams to guard against water intrusion. Any flashing damaged or missing should be immediately replaced.

Get the preventative maintenance you need by expert roofers before the heavy winter weather moves in and begins pounding your roof with snow.