As fall transitions into winter, the snow and freezing temperatures grow closer and closer to impacting homes. Winters in Minnesota are notoriously tough on homeowners’ roofs, which is why you should take the time to prepare your roof for the winter elements before they arrive.
Understanding how winter elements can damage your roof will help you take the necessary steps to prepare your home. Intelligent Design Corp is ready to help you prepare for the winter elements with our roof repair and replacement services. There are several factors to keep in mind when it comes to staying aware of winter roof damage.
Ice Damage
Minnesota homeowners are no strangers to ice in the winter. Icicles and ice dams are common forms of house damage during the winter months. Ice dams typically form when melted snow refreezes on your roof’s edges and gutter system. This can cause your gutters to become clogged and suffer damage. Ice dams keep melting snow from draining properly, which backs up on your roof, potentially causing a leak.
Icicles also form when melted snow isn’t able to drain away from the house properly. Ice dams and icicles weigh down on your roof’s foundation and can pose a risk for anyone who walks below the formations. Taking the time to manage your gutters and inspect your roof before the winter months will help you prevent ice damage on your roof.
If you notice an ice dam forming on your roof, it's vital to have it professionally removed as soon as possible. For safety reasons, it is not recommended that you attempt to remove an ice dam yourself.
Snow
Snow accumulation is a common issue for homeowners in Minnesota. Once the snow starts to fall, it will continue to pile up and weigh down on your home’s roof. When the snow becomes too heavy on your roof, your roof can become severely damaged or even collapse.
Keep an eye out for slopes in your roof’s surface or the sound of cracking. The roofers at Intelligent Design Corp can provide you with quick solutions to help you avoid costly damages down the road.
Water
Water always follows the path of least resistance. When snow and ice start to melt, your roof can endure an excessive amount of water. Heavy and freezing rain can also cause problems, such as ice build-up, which may result in additional ice dam formation.
Heavy rains in the winter can get under your shingles and into your home. To avoid any leaks or foundation damage, schedule a professional roof inspection with our team of contractors. We’ll quickly repair any areas that could experience water damage during the winter and spring.
Wind
Excessive winds can cause roof damage. Winter storms can bring high speed winds to Minnesota, which can tear off shingles and loosen flashing. Roof ridges also take a hit because they’re exposed to the wind stream.
Before winter hits, it is a good idea to have Intelligent Design Corp take a look at your roof and ensure that all the shingles are in good shape and that there are no potential problems cropping up.
Attic Condensation
Because of ice dams and melting snow, your attic can experience a build-up of condensation, which leads to mold growth and rot. The attic floor is especially susceptible to moisture, as that’s where the warm, moist air from below touches first. These problems can potentially result in underlying health conditions, too, if you’re not careful.
Red Flags to Look For
There are several red flags you can watch for that indicate something is wrong with your roof. Since it may be buried under snow, you won’t immediately notice a problem unless you see the following signs:
● Water damage on your ceiling
● Missing shingles, either on your roof or on the ground
● Sediment in your gutters
● Mold, Moss, or Algae
● Dips or bows in your roof
Contact Intelligent Design Corp Today
If you want to ensure your roof is ready to take on the winter elements, Intelligent Design Corp is ready to help. We provide fast and efficient residential roofing services so you can feel confident in your roof’s durability and security. To schedule a free quote, contact us today at 763-315-0745.