Winter is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be harsh on your roof. If you have a roof that’s not properly insulated, you might find yourself dealing with Michigan roofing issues. The good news is these problems are usually easy to fix if you catch them early. Here are some common issues you might run into this winter season and how to deal with them:
Heavy Snowfall and Weather
Winter can wreak havoc on your roof, even in areas that don’t see particularly severe winters. Heavy snowfall and strong winds can pull up or peel back shingles, damage flashing, drive moisture into roof vents, and cause ice damming. If you live in a region where there is a lot of snow each year, it’s important to anticipate severe weather.
If there is any damage that occurs during the winter months—such as peeled or missing shingles—it’s important to fix the problem sooner rather than later so the problem doesn’t become bigger.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common problem during the winter months, but they can be avoided by employing some simple practices. Icicles form when water from melted snow runs down the roof and begins to drip from the gutters. If the problem is not corrected, icicles will continue to grow in length and size until they become large enough to cause significant damage to your home’s structure and exterior.
If you notice large icicles forming on the corners of your home or gutters, that’s a tell-tale sign you could have ice dams forming on your roof. You may also see evidence of leaking coming from around windowsills. It’s critical to take care of them before they become large walls of ice that can damage your gutters or shingles.
Icicles on Gutters
When water from melted snow runs down the roof and begins to drip from the gutters, icicles will form. Icicles can grow in length if left unattended because of the continued dripping that forms them. They are more likely to form when there is a difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, and when there is a significant amount of moisture on your roof’s surface.
Preventing icicle formation is easy: employ basic ventilation practices to keep excess moisture out of your attic. If you’ve already got icicles forming, gently remove them with an ice pick or similar tool before they grow too large—you don’t want one falling off your house onto someone below!
Rodent Problems
Rodent problems are a common issue during the winter. With temperatures plummeting and the snow covering all evidence of their presence, it’s no wonder that rodents like to make themselves at home in your attic. Rats and squirrels will easily chew holes in roofs, creating large gaps that make it easy for them to get inside homes. You must seal all possible points of entry if you want to keep critters out of your home. You can block chimneys, vents, and crawl spaces by wrapping steel wool around the openings or covering them with wire mesh.
Winter is a great time to take care of your roof, but it can also be a dangerous season. If you are looking for more information about the common Michigan roofing issues that occur during this time, we have tips on how to deal with them.
Contact us at Herbert Roofing for all your roofing needs!
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