3 Signs of Roofing Issues to Watch for This Winter
As all Littleton roofers and residents know, winter can be a tough season for your roof. From heavy snow accumulation to ice and high winds, the list of ways for your roof to sustain damage due to winter weather is very long. That makes winter an especially important time to stay vigilant and look for signs of roofing issues. From our 40 years of experience as roofers in Littleton, our team at CJ Roofing has seen just about every way a roof can be damaged during the winter. So what are some of the key signs of trouble you might spot? Here are three that we feel are especially important.
Condensation in your attic
Water is one of the biggest enemies of any roof, no matter what season you’re talking about. In winter, however, water is especially concerning, and it can be a sign of trouble whenever you spot it in a place where it shouldn’t be. Condensation in your attic is a common winter roofing issue that can quickly lead mold and mildew formation. This is both irritating and damaging, as water, mold, and mildew can cause deterioration in your home.
Condensation happens as a result of warm, moist air meeting a cooler surface. In your attic, this means warm air from your home hitting the cool underside of your roof. With improved ventilation, this air would circulate properly, while better insulation helps to regulate the temperature of the inside of your roof.
Loose or leaking flashing
Flashing is a key component of most roofs, especially those that are sloped. Flashings are the strips of metal placed along the ridges and corners of your roof, as well as around objects such as chimneys, skylights, and vents. If flashing becomes loose, water can easily penetrate beneath the surface of your roof, causing damage to your home. Leaks can also occur if flashing is otherwise compromised, such as by hail damage or rust. Luckily, damaged flashing tends to be simple to repair for professional Littleton roofers. Be sure to schedule a roof repair quickly if you notice issues with your flashing, however—the less time water has to enter your home, the better.
Ice dams on your roof
Last, and far from least, ice dams are perhaps the most serious winter roofing problem you can have. Ice dams are large ice formations on your roof. They form when the upper part of a snow- or ice-covered roof begins to thaw and melt while the lower portion remains frozen. The meltwater accumulates behind this lower ice and refreezes, forming a mass known as an ice dam.
As you might imagine, ice dams are incredibly dangerous when they fall from your roof.The sheer weight of these ice formations can also damage your roof, while the accumulated water often creates leaks. As with condensation in your attic, one of the best ways to combat ice dams is to ensure that your roof is as well ventilated and insulated as possible. This will help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your roof, thus avoiding the situation that causes ice dams in the first place. As winter arrives, consult with roofers in Littleton and make sure your attic’s ventilation and insulation is up to the task!
CJ Roofing Is Standing By for Your Winter Roofing Needs!
Winter is a beautiful time here in the Rockies, but it can also be stressful as a homeowner. To get the most peace of mind, you’ll want to have a roofing partner you can rely on in case Colorado’s winter weather damages your roof. At CJ Roofing, we’ve served the Littleton area and the entire Front Range as professional roofers since 1978. With more than 40 years of experience, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to help folks protect their homes and businesses against the worst winter weather. If you want to make sure your roof is ready for winter, now is the time to schedule a free inspection!