As it gets chillier, you might start wondering about how your roof and home can be affected by moisture, snow, and ice during the winter months. We don’t get a lot of snow or ice during the winter here in Austin, but we can certainly see it once in a while. We tend to get more ice than the white stuff, too, but they can both be cause for concern as a homeowner. So, how do snow and ice impact your roof?
The Impact Snow and Ice Have on a Roof
Snow itself might not cause any problems for your roof and home. A good roof can handle quite a lot of snow, actually. Often up to 4 feet. We probably won’t come across that amount of snow build-up here, so there shouldn’t really be any worry about that in this part of Texas. Where a build-up of snow might get concerning, though, is when the snow we do get melts and then refreezes into ice on your roof, or when freezing temperatures turn a recent rain into ice on your roof.
When snow melts, the moisture can get into the little cracks and divots of your roof. As it freezes, it can expand and cause tearing or shifting in roof shingles, flashing, or the roofing ventilation. Over time, this repeated process can produce leaks and other problems. A newer roof will likely be fine, but as your home’s roof ages, this can put wear on your shingles.
Can Ice and Snow Damage Your Roof?
As this process of melting and freezing continues, it can cause ice to accumulate and back up under your roof’s shingles or flashing. If you spot icicles off your roofline, you might have an ice build-up or ice dam causing issues with your roofing. When ice collects like this, you can start to see problems as it slowly melts and refreezes.
One of the main reasons this occurs is due to poor roofing ventilation. Roofing ventilation is so important in the health of your roof and your home itself. Ventilation allows for excess warm air build-up to vent outward. If warm air is trapped during a snowfall, it can heat up certain areas under your roof inconsistently and then snow can melt from underneath. As the outside air is still very cold, it can start to freeze as it runs down your roof and can freeze in areas that push up shingles or flashing. This damage can cause wear on your roof and eventually create leaks.
Is It Necessary to Remove Snow From Roofs?
Let’s go back to the snow on your roof. A well-installed and ventilated roof shouldn’t need to have snow removed unless conditions become quite unusual. Pitched roofs found on many homes are designed perfectly for snow to slide off or gradually melt and have the water run down the gutter system. If you have a very old roof or a flat roof, you might have some accumulation that could pose a problem if the roof is older or has begun to sag.
Removing snow from a roof can be dangerous and unnecessary. The best way to provide a good, safe roof that doesn’t leak is to equip your roof with good ventilation from the beginning. Another great option is to combine good roof ventilation with a well-insulated attic and clean gutters.
You can avoid the melting and freezing problem right from the start as this combination contributes to a solid roofing space to keep your home dry and safe as they all work together as a system. It helps prevent the ice and snow from melting inconsistently and building up in ways that create ice dams.
If you start to see any leaks in your home during inclement weather, ice or snow could be causing havoc on your roof. It’s best to have a professional roofer inspect your roof and give you a review instead of going up on the roof yourself. They can advise you on what is causing your problem and give you the best advice on whether you need repairs or even a new roof. Always call a professional to look over your roof to avoid falls or injury and get the best suggestions on how to move forward.
Your Local Austin Area Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
