5 Roofing Issues You Might Have This Winter

We know that high winds, hail, and strong storms can do a number on our roof, but what about winter weather? It’s actually surprisingly hard on your roof, even here in Alabama. Ice, freezing and thawing (and our occasional snow) can create several problems that could lead to costly roofing repairs if not adequately addressed. USA Roofing is ready to tackle Birmingham roof repairs this winter.

Here are five common problems your roof may face:

Condensation in the Attic

Condensation can occur when warm air meets a cold surface. Since warm air rises, attics tend to be warm and humid therefore causing condensation to form in the attic area. A poorly or incorrectly insulated attic is a prime candidate for the formation of condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew, damaging the interior structure of your home. To prevent this, ensure your attic is properly ventilated. Improper ventilation can also shorten your roof’s overall lifespan and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Flashing Leaks

If you have a roof with dormers, walls, skylights or a chimney, you may be no stranger to leaks. Flashings are the strips of metal that are installed along the walls, eaves and rakes of your roof and around your chimney and skylights. If not installed properly, or after a bad storm, they can begin to pull away from your roof and lead to water leaks. You can observe your flashings from the ground to see if you notice any obvious issues, as well as get up in the attic to check for leaks. If you’re concerned that something is wrong, contact us at USA Roofing for a roof inspection. We want to help prevent this from becoming a problem.

Strong Winds

This isn’t just a winter issue and because we’ve had high winds with a few severe storm systems this winter it’s worth mentioning. When wind speeds pick up enough they can loosen up or damage your shingles. If you notice loose or missing shingles, contact us as soon as possible to have those shingles replaced before more damage occurs.

Tree Limbs

While it’s nice to have trees in your yard to enjoy and admire throughout each season, it also means you’re also privy to some of the dangers large trees can impose. Large pines and oaks dump tons of leaves and needles on your roof, which can cause damage if left to sit and rot. During the winter months, it’s easier to see and point out limbs that are hanging precariously over your house or those that are touching your roof. Sometimes overhanging tree limbs can scrape the surface of your roof and damage its protective top layer. And obviously, large branches falling on your roof can potentially cause a dangerous amount of damage. So, to protect your home and family, have any branches trimmed that come within six feet of your roof. It will also keep squirrels and other animals from scampering across the roof and chewing their way into the attic for Spring nesting.

Ice and Icicles

We don’t tend to see typical icicles like other parts of the country do, but we’ve had a lot of rain, freezing temperatures, and even freezing rain, so anything is possible. Ice in general can cause damage to your roof, especially if your roof doesn’t dry out between thawing and refreezing. Icicles are also typically formed by sunny days and sub-freezing temperatures. Often the result of clogged gutters and downspouts, the  excessive weight of ice and icicles can cause roofing and gutter damage. Thankfully, in Alabama with our milder winters, ice damming is not a common problem. Ice dams can cause leaks and damage the roof and structure of the home. To discourage ice and icicles from forming, keep your gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. When warmer weather arrives, attend to gutter maintenance swiftly to avoid leaking and other problems during Spring rains.

Not sure how your roof is handling the winter weather? Contact us today to learn more! Our dedicated team of roofing experts will be happy to help you through your roof’s potential problems and suggest the appropriate preventative repairs or repair any current issues.