5 Common Roofing Problems in the Fall and Winter

Winter Hates Your Roof

Howling winds, snow, and ice are all enemies of your roof! Between them, they can cause a host of problems that make fall and winter a nightmare! However, if you know what to look for, you can stop major problems from developing.

Strong Winds

Northwest WA is no stranger to wind storms. Strong winds can loosen asphalt shingles or blow them off roofs. Loss of shingle coverage can allow water to flow into your home. If you find shingles in your yard after a storm or notice missing shingles on your roof, you should contact Rainshield Roofing immediately.

We can replace the missing shingles so that your roof will continue to protect your home. Professional roof repair services from a trusted roofing company can help extend the life of your roofing system and prevent moisture damage.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is the metal strips that protect the corners and peaks of a roof. They are also placed on the front edge of a roof and around skylights and chimneys. Winter storms can damage flashing causing it to peel away from your roof.

If this happens, water leaks are sure to follow. After a storm, take a few moments to check your flashing for damage.

Ice Dams

As winter progresses, snow and/or ice can mount up on your roof. During the day, as temperatures rise, melting occurs. In a perfect scenario, melting water flows off your roof and is evacuated by gutters. However, if your gutters are blocked by debris or water has frozen in your downspouts, ice dams can form. This is a serious problem.

When water remains on your roof and refreezes, significant damage can occur. Shingles can be pushed off or even worse, damage to your roof deck or underlayment can occur; allowing water to seep into your home. Water dams can also block ventilation spaces in your attic causing condensation to form. If not handled promptly, condensation is an invitation for mold to form.

Trees

While tall trees are a beautiful adornment to a yard, if they are close to your home, they can cause considerable damage. Winter winds can cause branches to repeatedly hit roofs, causing damage to shingles and flashing. Strong winds can break weakened limbs off trees.

Should one fall on a roof, they can cause damage to your underlayment, causing thousands of dollars in repairs. If you have trees that tower over your roof, it is in your best interest to get them trimmed back.

Icicles

While icicles are beautiful, they can be a danger to people walking underneath. While this problem can be avoided by keeping a safe perimeter, it doesn’t solve the damage they can cause to a roof. Icicles grow through the day/night warming and cooling process.

They can become heavy enough that they harm roofs and gutters. They can also cause ice dams to form. The best way to prevent icicles from forming is to keep your gutters clean and allow your downspouts to transfer water unimpeded.

Metal roofing and wood shake roofing systems often require specialized seasonal maintenance to withstand Pacific Northwest weather conditions.

Is Your Roof Safe? 

While winter weather in and of itself is dangerous to your roof, it is the ice and snow that covers it, that makes detection of winter problems so difficult. Usually, it's too late when they make themselves known.

If you are not sure how your roof is handling the weather, call Rainshield Roofing. Our team of certified roofing professionals would be happy to assess your roof, provide preventative maintenance and provide tips to keep it in optimal condition!

Conclusion

Common Roofing Problems during fall and winter can quickly lead to serious roof repair and roof replacement expenses if ignored. Strong winds, flashing damage, ice dams, falling branches, and icicles can all impact the safety and durability of your roofing system. Rainshield Roofing proudly provides reliable roofing services, storm damage repair, roof installation, and preventative maintenance for homeowners and businesses throughout Bellingham, Ferndale, Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and surrounding Pacific Northwest communities.

Protect your home before winter roofing damage gets worse. Contact Rainshield Roofing today for expert roof repair, roof replacement, and professional roofing services. Call (888) 858-7663 or email info@rainshield.net to schedule your free roofing inspection and estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common roofing problems during winter?

The most common roofing problems during winter include missing shingles, flashing damage, ice dams, roof leaks, and gutter blockages. Snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds in the Pacific Northwest can significantly impact residential roofing and commercial roofing systems.

2. How do ice dams damage a roof?

Ice dams prevent melting snow from draining properly off your roof. When water refreezes, it can lift shingles, damage underlayment, and cause roof leaks that lead to mold growth and structural damage inside the home.

3. When should I call a roofing contractor after a storm?

You should contact a roofing contractor immediately if you notice missing shingles, water stains, flashing damage, sagging gutters, or fallen tree branches on your roof. Fast roof repair services can help prevent more expensive repairs later.

4. Can strong winds cause roof replacement issues?

Yes, high winds can loosen shingles, expose roofing materials, and damage flashing around chimneys and skylights. If left untreated, these issues can shorten the lifespan of your roofing system and lead to major roof replacement needs.

5. How can homeowners prevent common roofing problems?

Regular roof inspections, gutter cleaning, tree trimming, and preventative roof maintenance are some of the best ways to avoid common roofing problems. Professional roofing services can help detect issues early and protect your property year round.