Winter Roof Damage to Look Out for When Winter Is Over
It’s winter time, which means an increased chance of snowstorms and ice. With this comes the potential of damage to your home, especially the most exposed part: your roof!
When winter ends or after a heavy snowstorm, it is imperative to inspect your house to make sure no damage has occurred. If you notice damage to your roof, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible before any additional damage and issues arise. A small problem can quickly turn into a big one if left untreated.
Here are some areas to inspect when it comes to your home and potential roof damage.
Damage to Shingles
The exterior of your roof is the first place to evaluate for damage because it is the most recognizable. Shingle damage can be the start of additional roofing issues such as mold, potential leaks, and more. If you suspect damage, you can contact a local roofing contractor to complete a full inspection.
When inspecting your roof, check for any broken, damaged, or missing shingles. In addition, look for any loss of granules on your shingles, because extensive loss many indicate that your roof is damaged.
Moss and Algae Growth
When inspecting your roof, also look for any moss or algae growth on your shingles. Moss or algae growth on the shingles looks like dark discoloration spots.
Moss and algae can cause additional issues, such as growth of mold or bacteria. It can also cause the shingles to curl or separate from the roof. They can impact the visual appearance of your roof and house.
If you discover moss or algae on your roof, it is essential to remove it or have the parts of the roof affected by it replaced if any damage is present.
Damage to Other Roofing Components
A roof has more components to it than just shingles. It is important to inspect and evaluate these additional parts of your roof such, as the following:
- Downspouts
- Chimney
- Plumbing Vent
- Flashing
- Gutters
Inspect these components thoroughly to determine if any damage is present. Snow and ice can sometimes cause damage to these areas, which may lead to water leaks or structural concerns.
Potential Leaks
Now that you have inspected the exterior of your roof for potential damage, it’s time to inspect the interior of your roof. To properly inspect the interior, you will need to go into the attic to look for signs of water leaks or condensation. If you find any, follow it back to its source to determine where the leak started.
Large amounts of snow or ice can cause damage when present or after melting. When melting, if the water is blocked from exiting your roof, such as clogged gutters, the water can puddle. If this occurs, the water could potentially leak through your roof and into your attic.
Need Help Inspecting Your Roof in Lancaster, PA?
Graystone is an experienced roofing company in the Lancaster, PA region committed to providing you with professional, quality services backed by our workmanship warranty!
We offer a free inspection and assessment, as well as roof repair services to help you if your roof has experienced any damage. You can contact us by calling (717) 725-7170 or by filling out our online form to receive a free quote.
Our Home Improvement Specialists are here to help you. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to decide if roof repair or roof replacement is the best option for you!