6 Problems Your Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan May Have During Winter
Your roof is always at odds against the weather. From the beating heat of summer to the cold blistering weather during winter the roof on your home is always under some type of threat. Usually the threats to the roof is more prominent in winter as the roof may flex more and not be as brittle in the summer. During winter there are other things that can happen which can damage the roof on your home. Here are 6 common ways your roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan can be damaged during winter.
6 Problems Your Roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan May Have During Winter
Keeping your roof in good shape means that it will last for many years. In fact, most roofing that is installed today have a 15 year warranty or even longer. There are even some roofing systems available today for Grand Rapids Michigan residents which last over 40 years. Any type of roofing you have should be regularly inspected however by a fully licensed roofing contractor. At Grand Rapids Home Pros we can inspect your current roof and make any type of roof repairs or replacement as well. Here are some things you should look for on your home’s roof during the winter season. If you notice any of these problems be sure to call a fully licensed roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan such as Grand Rapids Home Pros.
Roof Ice Dams
Roof ice dams can occur on your home for several reasons. One of the causes of a roof ice dam is clogged gutters. When water can’t exit the roof quickly enough it will start to freeze at the edge. While it may not seem like much of a problem initially, over time as ice builds up it can cause water to push into the shingles of the home. Many homes have roof ice dam protection in place to stop this but the weight of the ice and snow can be problematic overtime on the roofing and cause it to fail.
Winds and Storms
During the colder winter weather, the shingles on your home are not as soft as they are during summer. This can make impacts to the roof from freezing rain and hail to constantly knock granules from the shingles. Usually, when this happens you’ll notice many granules where your gutters drain.
Condensation in the Attic
During winter the vents on your roof could get clogged which can cause the humidity to rise in the attic. This added condensation can cause the roof to fail prematurely. You may also notice mold starting to grow in the attic once the weather warms a bit as well. Many times wildlife can make nests in the vents which can get clogged and stop air flow for the attic space. Of couse, the ventilation for the roof is one area that can certainly cause problems on the roof if it’s not correct.
Damage From Trees
As the weather starts to turn colder it won’t be long before snow and ice start to fall here in Grand Rapids Michigan. Trees can gather ice which weighs them down breaking branches and sometimes falling onto the roof. These falling branches usually cause damage to the roof. Make sure that when you have a tree branch fall into your roof you look at it for damage or call a licensed roofer to inspect the roof on your home.
Aging Roof
As I mentioned above most roofing systems last about 15 years with some higher-priced roofing materials. If your roof is older than 15 years old it’s a good idea that you get a roofing inspection done to determine what shape the roofing materials are in.
Flashing Leaks
Another problem that may occur on your roof during winter is flashing leaks. As the cold weather can make the seals more brittle during winter they can crack and cause a roof leak. The flashing will also contract which can also lead to a roof leak during colder weather.
Get a Roof Inspection on Your Home
If you suspect your roof is not in good shape be sure to call a qualified roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan such as Grand Rapids Home Pros. We can inspect and repair your roofing quickly and affordably.
