4 Common Winter Issues to Watch out for

The winter season can put the most durable roofing system to the test and gives rise to certain kinds of roofing problems. Read on as your local roofing and kitchen remodeling company Renovations Xperts shares a look at common roofing problems that you should anticipate during the winter season.

Heavy Rooftop Snow Loads — Every roof has a calculated maximum weight load. The calculation includes factors such as the roofing material and accessories, as well as environmental factors such as heaviest recorded snowfall in the area.  It’s important to note that the heaviest recorded snowfall can be exceeded, which can lead to increased strain on the roof, resulting in cracks, leaks or the sagging roof lines. While you can’t control the amount of snow that falls on your roof, you can call professionals to remove snow from the roof.Ice Dams — Ice dams are formed when the roof temperature is raised to above freezing. Meltwater would then flow and refreeze as it reaches the roof’s edge, forming a dam over time. Ice dams can cause a number of problems. Its weight can increase strain on the roof edge and adjacent components, such as gutters and fascia boards. Water behind ice dams can corrode roof flashing. Melting ice dams can infiltrate the roof edge, resulting in costly roof repair.Icicles — Icicles can form along with or separate from ice dams. Instead of accumulating at the roof’s edge, icicles refreeze as they drip, which results in the familiar long and sometimes sharp ice formations. In addition to the aforementioned damage to the roof caused by ice dams, icicles also pose a danger to anyone who happens to be passing underneath. To prevent ice dams and icicles from forming, your roof needs to be properly insulated and ventilated. This prevents heat that’s coming from your indoor living spaces from getting trapped in the attic and heating the roof.Attic Condensation — Another reason for having proper attic ventilation is that it helps keep the attic relatively dry. Trapped moisture in the attic—caused by insufficient ventilation—can aid in raising the roof temperature. High humidity levels can also damage certain types of roof insulation. Lastly, the combination of heat, humidity and darkness can also be conducive to mold and mildew growth. Fortunately, ridge vents can be installed on an existing roof. You can have electric or solar-powered exhaust fans installed on the roof if needed.Renovations Xperts is one of the most reputable roofing and interior renovation companies in DC and nearby areas. Give us a call at (202) 932-9267 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.