How Snow and Ice Can Impact Your Roof

You rely on your roof to protect yourself, your family, and your home from inclement weather and nature. Loveland, Colorado, sees an average of 46 inches of snow each year, and with winter on the way, it's essential to keep your roof in good shape. We at 970 Services Roofing of Loveland have compiled a list of how snow and ice impact your roof in ways that affect its longevity.

Damage to Gutters

You might not think clogged gutters are that important, but clean gutters are essential all year round. When you have clogged gutters filled with snow, ice, and other debris, icicles begin to form. While icicles are nice to look at, they have weight to them, which can pull the gutters away from your roof and damage your roof.

Freezing and Thawing

We've all experienced days when warmer temperatures thawed snow enough to melt a little, only to freeze overnight, causing hazardous road conditions. Due to the weight of snow and ice on your roof, tiny cracks begin to form, allowing water to seep in. When the water refreezes, it expands the gap, allowing more water into the crack. The freezing and thawing cycle pries open your roof slowly, and water finds its way inside your home.

Ice Dams

If you have enough ice on your roof, it can form an ice dam. When the snow on your roof melts, the water runs down to the edge of the roof, where it freezes. Eventually, the water backs up, refreezes, and causes an ice dam. An ice dam can damage your gutter and the roof flashing. The flashing on your roof is a thin piece of metal located at seams that prevents water from entering at seams and joints.

Stress on Roof

Many people forget that the accumulation of fluffy, weightless snowflakes adds a lot to your home's roof. The heavy weight of snow on your roof, even more, if there's ice, can damage the roof's integrity, causing leaks and cave-ins.

Tree Branches

Snow and ice accumulation doesn't just put extra weight on your roof but on nearby tree branches too. This additional weight bends the limb and brings it into contact with your roof, causing damage when it sways in the wind. If the limb breaks, it causes even more damage to your roof.

Don't let Loveland's snowy weather get the best of you this winter. Our team of licensed roofing contractors are prepared for any roofing challenge. Contact us today for a free inspection, no matter if you have a roof with ceramic, metal, or asphalt shingles.