Although winter weather is (subjectively) beautiful, snow, ice and even sub-freezing temperatures can create a host of issues for your home. These conditions can cause leak-like issues stemming from your roof and gutter system, attic insulation, attic space ventilation and more. Most homeowners aren’t aware of these types of issues until they experience a problem. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way in terms of being able to troubleshoot as well as plan annual maintenance to prevent damage to your home’s exterior and interior.
As leaves fall in autumn, roof and gutter systems should be kept cleaned of leaf debris to maintain proper drainage. Especially if your gutter system ties into ground drains. Backups in ground drains can cause leak issues to present in basements or at foundations. A clog in your gutter system can cause overflow that may create water damage at soffits, behind siding or even at windows and doors. Debris from the roof is often the culprit. If left accumulated on the roof through winter, frozen leaf debris in roof valleys can cause extensive damage to asphalt shingles. Consult with a roofing professional about what fall maintenance would be appropriate to help prevent these issues.
The freeze-thaw cycle that we experience in Ohio can create a roofing phenomenon known as ice dams. Ice dams occur when snow and ice that is melting at the upper, warmer elevations of the roof is obstructed from flowing freely by snow and ice still frozen at the lower, cooler sections of the roof. The snow and ice acts as a dam, ponding the water and allowing leak intrusion. This issue can be exacerbated by ice formed in gutter systems, further preventing water from being able to flow away. Ice and water guard is a specialized underlayment installed on roofs to prevent this from occurring and is required by code in Ohio. It is important to have your roof installed by a professional who understands these requirements and what components and applications are necessary for the roof to perform in all weather conditions.
Attic conditions play a key role in maintaining comfort in your home during winter. A healthy attic should be the approximately the same temperature as the ambient air outside. This is achieved through ventilation via a possible combination of openings in your soffits, gables and roof. Do not block these vents off in the winter to conserve heat. Your insulation atop your ceiling is what prevents heat loss to your attic area thus keeping your living space warm. Any unwanted exchange of cold and warm air in this space can cause condensation and even frost in cold temperatures. When this frost melts, it will form water droplets throughout the attic. Make sure your attic insulation is sufficient and consistent throughout the attic. Vent bathroom fans and dryers through the roof to keep warm air and humidity out of your attic space.
If you experience symptoms akin to a roof leak in sub-freezing temperatures, it is important to call a professional company like Solid Rock Roofing that can diagnose these types of uncommon issues. We have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to provide long-term solutions that will help you protect your home in all seasons of Ohio’s weather.
For more information about Solid Rock Roofing, contact us here.