Although Texas does not experience freezing winters that other areas in the country do, it still experiences relatively cold weather. This can have a significant impact on the roofing structure in multiple ways.
Problems with Roofing Structures During Winter
Here are a few of the most common problems with roofs during the winter, they include:
- Condensation. Condensation takes place when warm air meets a cold surface, which causes the water in the air to turn into water. Attics that aren’t well-insulated are at the most risk of condensation, which will slowly result in the accumulation of water. When water starts to collect in such spaces, the chances of mold and mildew growth are incredibly high. This can result in major damage to your roofing structure. As a property owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your attic is adequately insulated to prevent condensation.
- Icicles. Icicles generally form when it’s sunny during sub-freezing weather conditions. They develop because of clogged gutters or downspouts and the excess weight adds pressure to the drain and roofs. Besides, they also pose a severe risk to the occupants living in the house in case they collapse.
- Hail Damage. Hailstorms are common during the winter, and either cause fractures or abrasions to the shingles and other such components. They have a considerable impact on your roofing materials, reducing their lifespan. This, in turn, increases the chances of potential leaks during the harsh winter months.
- Ice Dams. Ice dams slowly start to form in sunny conditions after a short period of cold weather. In such cases, the topmost section of your roof gets warmer, which causes the ice to melt. Once the ice thaws, the water slowly starts to flow through the roofs’ lower sections where it freezes and turns to ice as a result of sub-freezing temperatures. This constant accumulation of ice results in an ice dam. Besides, the added weight of the ice can result in leakages, weakening your roof.
- Strong Winds. Although strong winds aren’t prevalent, they can cause a significant amount of damage to your roofing structure. Constant high wind speeds increase the chances of the wind resulting in damage to your roof. For example, stormy weather can easily blow off the shingles, change their alignment, or even dislodge them entirely.
Some of these issues can cause irreversible damage to your roofing structure. However, you can easily prevent this by hiring the services of licensed professionals to carry out an inspection. In case they come across potential issues, they will carry out the necessary repairs promptly. This will restore the integrity of your roof, in turn, increasing its lifespan. This will also help your roof weather the conditions during the cold winter months better.
For any more information on residential and light commercial roofing repairs, get in touch with A Roof 4 U at (210) 643-6507 or fill in this Contact Us form, and we will get back to you shortly.