Winter Weather’s Effects on Roofs & What to Look for

The benefits of a roof go beyond aesthetics. Your roof protects your home from the elements and also helps maintain the ideal house temperature all year round. Regardless of the type of roof you have, winter can take a toll on it, affecting its ability to provide protection from the elements. Freezing temperatures can change the shape of roofing materials and may possibly affect your roof’s structural integrity. If your roofing materials have become damaged or are losing their protective coating, consult a tile roofing company near Antioch immediately.

Here are some ways in which winter weather can affect roofs.

Attic Condensation

Attic condensation occurs in winter when warm, moist air from your house rises into your attic space. Persistent condensation can lead to the development of unsightly stains on your ceiling or may even cause extensive, even irreversible damage to roofing components. To prevent attic condensation, improve ventilation in your attic. Repair/replace old ventilation and seal all vents that are leaking warm air into your attic.

Wind Damage

During a high wind event in winter, an overhanging branch can break and fall on your roof, causing extensive damage to it. Also, wind gusts can cause low-hanging branches to scrape against roof shingles, potentially stripping off layers of asphalt. It is therefore advisable that you regularly trim any overhanging branches.

Winds can also rip off or loosen flashing and cause damage to the ridges and rakes of your roof. Invest in quality shingles that can withstand strong winds. Before winter arrives, have a tile roofing company near in Antioch inspect your roof and carry out any necessary repairs.

During a roofing inspection, your contractor

• Visually inspects your roof for signs of damage such as cracks and failing seals around the penetration
• Checks the structural integrity of your roof. They look for signs of sagging such as damaged or missing collar ties, leaning or tilting exterior walls, and missing rafter ties
• Visually inspects your interiors for signs of roof damage such as mold, wood rot, and water stains on the walls and ceiling

After carrying out a roofing inspection, your contractor prepares a roof repair estimate.

Water Damage

Freezing temperatures can alter the original shape of roofing materials. One of the most common signs of roof damage that occurs in winter is unusual creaking noises (may indicate underlying structural problems).  On gloomy, rainy winter days, water can seep into even the smallest cracks in roofing materials and wood. Also, hairline cracks may develop in your roofs. If you fail to fix a leaking roof in a timely manner, cracks in it can increase in size over time, causing serious damage to roofing components.

Whether you want to have your old roof repaired or replaced, Roof Tile Custom Specialists, Inc. can help. We use tried and tested methods to diagnose and target the root causes of roof damage. To learn more, call (925) 634-8700.