Snow and ice have shown that they do more bad than good. These kinds of weather damage the roads, they make it hard for people to commute, and they can also induce some damage to your home. Although snow is not as common in the state of Texas, you never know what kind of weather you might encounter. With the February snowstorm that happened earlier this year in the vast majority of Texas, we find it important that we keep clients and El Pasoans up to date regarding what snow and ice can do to their roofing and what can be done to take care of build up right away. We’ve already covered how to prepare during the spring months, so let’s take a look at what to expect for the cold winter ahead. If you want to stay prepared, continue reading to learn more.
Added Weight and Collapses
Snow accumulates quickly and the weight can add stress to your roof. The longer that the snow stays on your roof, the quicker it will freeze and stick to your roofing material, making it difficult to remove the snow. Once you notice snow building up on your roof, it is crucial to hire a roof maintenance team to shovel snow off before it sticks and becomes even harder to remove. This can save you and your roof a lot of damage and time.
Thawing Your Roofing Material
If you have cracks in your shingles, you face more risks when it comes to dealing with snow and ice. In cold weather, your shingles can expand, but the effects are worse when the snow makes contact with your roof because it keeps the shingles frozen with little exposure to heat. This can make the cracks grow and could possibly break the shingles. This could also open up the possibility of leaks.
Water Damage
As roofing shingles bear the weight of snow and ice, it could also affect your ceiling inside. Your ceiling could collapse and suffer from the weight of the snow. This is ultimately caused by water damage because even when the snow melts, the weight of the water can be too much for your roof and ceiling to hold. Snow may seem lighter because it is frozen but the weight can easily add up if it isn’t removed in a timely matter.
Blocked Chimneys and Vents
If you have chimneys and vents, you must be mindful of when it will snow and take the necessary measures to prevent damage. If chimneys and vents are blocked off, carbon monoxide can build up and poisoning can occur. If you are expecting snow, it is important that you keep fireplaces off or if you choose to use them, you should be regularly shoveling snow off. The best and safest measure to take is to refrain from using a fireplace.
Cracked Walls
If you have noticed cracked walls, this means there is most likely a structural and foundational problem. Your foundation is also supported by your ceiling and roofing, so if you have recently had some snow, your roofing could be bearing the damage. If you have noticed cracks forming in your walls, it is important that you have this addressed and situated right away. Cracks can grow and worsen should you neglect them and hold off on having them seen by a professional.
Watching Out for Falling Snow and Ice
Another inconvenience that snow and ice impose is that you never know when snow or ice could be falling from your roof. Should you have to leave your home, you must do so with caution. Every time you open and close doors, entrances to your home, your roofing moves with you. If you do so during this kind of weather, snow and ice could fall off your roofing and potentially hit you on your way out. It is important that you tread carefully if you have not had ice or snow removed from your roof.
How to Maintain Your Roof During the Winter
You can install snow guards to keep snow contained and limited. It is also helpful to check on your gutters and make sure that they are clear of blockage that way ice does not build up. This also helps to direct snow and ice away from your roofing foundation. Ultimately, the best to protect your roof from the negative effects of snow is by regularly removing it and inspecting how it has affected your roof, if so.
Get Additional Help from the Professionals at AAAA Contractors
If you’ve experienced problems with your roofing due to extreme weather conditions, you can call on the professionals at AAAA Contractors. We are able to provide the necessary repairs and maintenance to get your roof back in good shape. Give us a call today to learn more.
