3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

The less-than-predictable East Coast winters can wreak havoc on your NJ roof. Here are three of the most common winter roof problems—and the winterization steps you can take to avoid frustrating and costly roofing repairs.

3 Common Winter Roof Problems & Their Prevention

Issue #1: Ice Dams

Ice dams form when snow and ice build up inside gutters and along roof ridges. This ice prevents additional water from draining properly, and as it pools, it may infiltrate shingles, underlayment, ceilings and walls. According to UMassAmherst’s Building and Construction Technology department, “Proper insulation and roof ventilation can stop ice dams from forming, prevent damage and lower energy bills.”

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent ice dams. Home and business owners can control this type of damage, though.

First, it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected to ensure its integrity and confirm that water cannot seep underneath roofing materials. Second, it’s important that you have high-quality ceiling insulation, and an effective roof ventilation system. These precautions will help to maintain a constant roof temperature, lowering the chances of ice damming.

Issue #2: Flashing Leaks

Roofs can leak in many locations, but especially few places are most common. On sloped roofs, leaks often occur along flashing sections—where metal is installed to safeguard roof corners, ridges and edges. If flashing is not properly installed, or if it is blown loose during high winds or storms, it may pull away from the shingles or underlayment. As it pulls away, it leaves your roof’s underlying structure unguarded against water seepage.

Check all flashing areas during your bi-annual roof inspection, and hire your local NJ roofing contractor to replace damaged or missing flashing. Flashing is relatively inexpensive to fix and replace, and you could prevent thousands in repair damages by attending to it.

Issue #3: Materials Damage

Even the most high-quality roofing material can be adversely impacted by severe storms, pooling water and ice buildup. To protect slate, tile or shingle roofing, hire a quality roofing contractor to install a high-performance attic ventilation system. Again, this is relatively inexpensive when you consider the cost of replacing interior valuables. Your new vents allow air to properly circulate in and out of your attic, reducing ice buildup and attic condensation.

Roof ventilation systems can also lower your heating and cooling bills over the long term.

Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Roof!

To protect your home’s exterior and interior structure during winter, remember to keep up on your roofing inspections.

At LGC Roofing, we offer both residential roofing and commercial roofing inspection and repair services. We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for elite performance at a fair and affordable price, so if you want to protect yourself before purchasing or selling property, or if you need to diagnose the nature of a roofing problem, contact us for a free estimate.

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Related posts:

1. 3 Reasons for Common Winter Roof Repairs: Leaks, Water Damage and Ice Dams
2. 4 Do-It-Yourself Post Winter Roof Inspection Tips
3. Protecting Your NJ Roof From Ice & Snow Damage
4. Preventive Fall Roofing Maintenance: 3 Tips for a Leak-Free Winter
5. Winter Roofing Damage: Protect Your Roof from Ice Dams