Winter Roof Damage: Emergency Roof Repair in Winter

Though a layer of white, fluffy snow will transform your yard into a gorgeous winter wonderland, the effects aren't quite as pleasant for your home. Heavy snow can potentially damage your roof and require emergency roof repair services. Here's what you need to know about dealing with heavy snow, along with a few tips for mitigating damage to your home.

The Dangers of Winter Precipitation 

Large amounts of snow are surprisingly heavy; this is especially true with "wet" snow that has a higher water content. Your home may struggle to withstand the weight of a heavy snowfall, and the snow can even cause leaks and structural damage. 

Once moisture enters your home, you're at an elevated risk of a slew of related issues, including mold, mildew, wood rot, and electrical shorts. 

The weather patterns that bring winter precipitation are often accompanied by high winds. These high winds can damage or blow shingles off your roof. A damaged roof is even more susceptible to damage from snow and ice. 

How to Prevent Damage to Your Home

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your roof survives a winter storm unscathed.

When the snow melts, it needs to be able to flow freely off your roof, through your gutters, and away from your home. Snow that melts and refreezes on your roof can form ice dams that contribute to roof leaks and structural damage.

Clean your gutters twice a year to ensure that leaves, sticks, and other debris aren't impeding the flow of water. 

Have your roof inspected annually to detect roof damage before it becomes an expensive, more intensive problem. It's relatively easy to replace a few damaged shingles, but once your home has water, electrical, or structural damage, you're facing a major home project. 

Confirm that your roof inspections include your gutters; if any portion of your gutters is missing or damaged, promptly repair or replace them to prevent melted snow from accumulating around your home's foundation.

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it to make sure your home is protected from snow and other forms of precipitation. 

Even when facing large amounts of heavy, wet snow, it's usually safe to let the snow melt naturally off your roof. Products designed for snow removal, like roof rakes, can damage your roof when used incorrectly.

Should you opt for snow removal, consider hiring a professional company that has the tools and expertise to complete the job safely. 

What to Do If Your Home Requires Emergency Roof Repair

If you notice a leak or visible damage to your roof, it's essential to contact an experienced roofing company as soon as possible. A qualified roofing company will know how to properly complete repairs in colder temperatures and can offer suggestions for mitigating damage to your home while the repair job is in process. 

Schedule Service for Your Roof

Ready to schedule maintenance services or repairs for your roof? Contact Cooper Roofing & Solar at 702-688-7940 to get started.