A Closer Look at Winter Roof Problems

With an Arctic blast on its way earlier than expected, it’s a great time to take a closer look at winter roof problems. Last week we talked about getting a roof replacement to prevent repetitive, nuisance repairs over the winter. Today, we’ll talk more in-depth on the common problems that your roof can face when cold weather hits, and what you can do to solve these problems. All the experts at Noble Roofing are here for you to assist you with any of your repair or renovation needs!

Common Winter Roof Problems

In Northern Virginia, we do have our share of days when the temperatures fall below freezing. It’s also predicted that this year will be a heavy one for snow and ice. Here are the common problems associated with wintry weather:

• Frost/sleet/below-freezing temperatures
• Hail
• Packed snow
• Frozen, sagging gutters
• Ice dams

Compared to issues roofs face in warmer seasons, winter problems are notoriously bad. Here are the details regarding each common problem.

Frost/sleet/ below freezing temperatures- A danger to ailing asphalt roofs, frost can be the final straw that causes a brittle shingle to crack, especially if tree branches  or other large objects hit your roof repeatedly. When a shingle is completely frozen, it is more susceptible to breakage because it is not as flexible as it is when it is warm.

• The solution? If your roof is old, get a new roof. If it is still in good shape, schedule a regular roofing inspection to stay on top of any possible damage due to cold weather issues.

Hail- Ice falling from the sky is no joke when your roof is on its last leg. Even something the size of a golf ball can make large impacts on your roof. When it’s a cold roof to boot, you can see breakage and leaks follow.

• The solution? Call us over after a storm so that we can assess any damage and send your insurance our expert observations. When everything is documented properly, we can maximize your chance to get your claim approved.

Packed Snow- Snow weighs around 20 pounds per cubic foot. If there is ice on your roof on top of that, then you can figure in 5.2 pounds per cubic foot of 1-inch high ice accumulation. All roofs have a maximum limit snow load limit, which averages 30 lbs per square foot. If snow is piling high on a failing roof, it is more likely to sustain damage.

• The solution? Though you may not need to do this in our area, if your roof ever starts to bear a load heavier than 30 lbs per cubic foot, look into snow removal to keep your home in good shape. Please do not go on the roof yourself without the right safety equipment and know-how!

Frozen/sagging gutters- When you have old or faulty gutters, they are more likely to clog and collect rainwater. This can cause serious problems when a cold snap strikes and the debris and water in the gutters freeze overnight. It’s possible for gutters to become so heavy that they break off from the house. Or, they can burst open or break apart because frozen water expands up to a 9% increase from its volume as a liquid.

• The solution? Get seamless gutters with leafguards and be sure to still monitor your gutters to make sure they are free from debris.

Ice dams: This is the ice build-up that develops the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings. They come from snow that melts under a snow pack, which trickles down to the eaves and freezes there.

• The solution? Ensure your attic is properly outfitted with air vents, soffits, and a good level of insulation. This will keep your roof cool during the winter so there is no unnecessary melting.

Efficient Roof Repair in Northern VA

Trust the repair and restoration of your roof to the professionals at Noble Roofing. Call (703) 404-0505 for an estimate today or complete our online quote request form.

In the case that your roof is too damaged, Noble Roofing also offers full Roof Replacements. Noble offers a 25-year roof protection warranty when purchasing GAF Roofing Systems.