Winter is the time of year when you typically realize how grateful you are to have a roof over your head and a warm place to stay when it is bitter cold in the Wooster, Ohio area. It is also the time when it can become very clear whether or not your roof is in adequate shape to withstand the harsh winter weather. Preparing before the cold hits can bring confidence that your roof will provide the shelter from the snow and cold as it was designed to do. Additionally, fixing potential problems during the winter is exponentially more difficult than during the warmer months. Roofing companies in Alliance, Ohio and the surrounding areas are happy to help inspect and identify any potential roof problems before winter hits.
Ways to Prevent Damage
There are many simple things you can do year-round to prevent damage to your roof during the winter weather.
- Cleaning gutters – Gutters should be cleaned twice a year which will allow water to flow properly while reducing the ice buildup.
- Keep your roof clean – Pine needles, leaves, and other debris will soak up water and begin to decay, causing roof damage.
- Replacing bent, worn, or loose shingles – Shingles are the barrier between the harsh weather and the soft wood underneath. Replacing any damaged shingles ensures that your roof has the proper protection to keep out damaging moisture.
Common Winter Roof Problems
Leaky roofs are problem enough without snow and ice, but during the winter months, these problems can become much more intense. If heat is escaping through your leaky roof, it can cause water to run into the cracks. The water will then freeze and create more damage to the roof as it expands. Another common problem during the winter is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams happen when the gutters have not been properly cleaned and ice forms inside of them. Because the water can no longer flow, the ice continues to build and freeze on the sides of your house, damaging the roof, gutter, and the siding.
Taking the proper steps to get your roof and gutters in shape before the harshest part of winter hits can help to ensure that your roof will function just as well as it should.