Winter brings vulnerabilities to most roofs. Whether the roof structure is a new one or is several years old, unless monitored, it can impose large-scale repairs and substantially increase your expenses. The problem gets more serious if your property is located at a place experiencing low temperatures and heavy snowfalls in the winter. This can be common in the southern states like NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
The following five types of winter roof damage are the most common, and consequently the most damaging to watch out for this winter:
- Moisture and Dangerous Mould Growth are Harmful
The formation of an ice dam is quite complex. Firstly, the temperature outside must drop below the freezing point. Then, the upper portions of the roof (warmer owing to inadequate ventilation) can cause snow accumulated there to melt. The water rolls down the roof and freezes as it comes in contact with the colder roof perimeter, thereby forming an ice ridge. With time, water accumulates underneath the shingles and moisture gradually seeps into the attic and further below. This damages the drywall and insulation, creating a hospitable atmosphere for mould growth. Hence, water weakens the secure structure of an establishment, and at the same time, mould poses threats to your health and well-being.
- Skylight Leaks Can Create Problems
When the skylights are completely snowed in, condensation hardly has a chance to escape. As the snow and ice start melting, the water form pools around the frame and rot the structure, eventually spreading inward. These skylight leaks can also negatively impact the drywall interior.
- Gutters and Downspout Damage are Expensive to Handle
Ice buildup in the gutters or downspout is quite large and especially destructive throughout a long winter. Ice blocks lodged in the building’s drainage system cause the gutters to form cracks or start pulling away from the side of the roof. In most cases, these blockages occur due to the improper clearing of leaves and debris before the beginning of winter. Replacing the entire gutter system is more expensive compared to gutter cleaning. Hence, adequate preparation is necessary to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Roof Collapse can Cause Major Accidents
Wet and heavy snow can be detrimental to the roof and the entire home. If the weight of the snow accumulated, exceeds the roof’s snow load capacity, a part of the roof or even the entire structure can collapse. Apart from fatal injuries, such an accident will inflict major and expensive property damage. Typical signs warning of a roof collapse are consistent creaking noises, sagging of the ceilings, difficulty in opening and shutting doors and windows, etc.
Roof damage may occur at any time of year, but winter weather conditions can be particularly harsh on your roof. Not only winter hazards, such as snow and ice cause damage to your roof, but they also make it extremely difficult to remedy those problems. Make sure to monitor the condition of your roof and opt for timely repairs to prevent bigger issues. Right now it’s freezing in Sydney and make sure your roof doesn’t suffer from the chills as well! Contact The Slate Roofing Company today so we can inspection your roofs condition and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and carry out any necessary repairs.
