The harsh temperatures and precipitation that come with a Chicago-area winter present a number of problems for many homeowners. Here is a look at some common causes for winter roof damage.
Sleet and Wind
That peculiar half-way point between rain and snow is not particularly good for your roof. When combined with the high wind speeds that are not uncommon to the Chicago area, sleet can cause significant damage to a roof, tearing up shingles and driving icy water into your home.
Snow Weight
A light dusting of snow may look nice on your roof, but if you let it build up, it can lead to serious problems. Piles of snow on a roof can become too heavy for the structure, eventually causing the roof to collapse. Hire a roofing specialist to ensure that you do not have to deal with extreme damage that could put you out of your home in the middle of winter. Please remember that this is not a DIY project—standing on an icy roof is dangerous, and getting the snow off without damaging the shingles requires special skills and equipment.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are probably the most notorious form of winter weather damage. An ice dam is a thick crust of ice that forms at the edge of your roof, trapping melting water behind it and forcing the water to escape down through your attic. Leaving this problem unaddressed can lead to catastrophic roof and home damage. To avoid this issue, hire a roofer to make sure that your attic is well-insulated and any ice dams are cleared quickly.
If you’re in need of an excellent roofer, call Apex Exteriors. Apex Exteriors offers roofing, siding, and windows. To get in contact with one of our Illinois or Wisconsin locations, call (847) 961-4601 today.
Last Updated on March 20, 2018 by ApexRoofingServices
