Snow can create roof damage and water leak problems
November 11, 2010
During the winter season, snow damage to house roofs is always a problem faced by many homeowners in places where snow falls. The buildup of heavy snow and the accumulation of ice do not only damage the roof but the house walls and ceilings as well. Aside from the inconvenience, the damage is also costly. Most homeowners leave the repair and cleaning to professionals as it can be risky to just do it themselves especially when there are icicles building up on the roof edges.
Occurrence of Ice Dams and Water Leaks
Snow buildup on the roof can be melted through the interior heat coming from the house. When the snow starts to melt, ice dams are created in areas where water flows on the roof, gutter, and downspouts. Ice dams are specifically common to sloping roofs. Once the water flows down to the colder eaves, it tends to refreeze. Eventually, dams of ice are formed out of the frozen snowmelt.
The water from the melting snow is then backed up beneath the roof covering and produces interior water damage through water leaks in the attic, flashings, or along the wall exteriors. The leak is triggered by the heat coming from the interior of the house. Water leaks may also be caused by water that is trapped in the drains of flat roofs. To fix this, homeowners can remove the downspout and open the drain to allow water to flow freely.
Ice that is formed in gutters and downspouts should be taken out right away. It may cause damage on the roof and the gutters themselves. In worse cases, the gutters may be removed from the roof to prevent further damage.
Roof Damage through Attic Condensation
One other cause of roof and attic damage is the condensation of water vapor that usually happens in the colder areas of the attic. High levels of humidity from the interior trigger warm air to transfer into the attic and cause condensation. When condensation occurs, it can cause the wood structure to rot, which means another expense for repairing water damage.
If the roof has skylights, internal condensation is not possible to happen so the moisture turns into water and causes leaks because the “weep holes” are completely covered. The homeowner must quickly remove the snow and ice that are building up around the skylight.
Dealing with Snow and Ice Damage
If there is no necessary prevention and preparation before winter comes, the roof system is definitely going to incur damages brought about by snow and ice. The best solution is to contact professional contractors to take care of the damage. However, this may also mean additional expense to cover for the replacement of any damaged parts.
