Winter approaches, and with it, the return of Oklahoma’s ice storms. Ice and snow can wreak havoc on your roof, especially as the water thaws and freezes again. Here are some things to watch out for as the weather gets colder:
Ice Dams
Ice dams aren’t normally something you’d see a lot of in Oklahoma, but after our blizzard in 2011, a lot of homeowners got uncomfortably acquainted with them. In fact, according to the State Insurance Department, ice dams were the number one culprit behind water damage on the insurance claims after that blizzard.
Ice dams occur when the ice or snow on top of the roof melts and drains down to the colder edge, where it refreezes. As more water melts, these ice dams can push it under the shingles, which means you’ll see a lot more leaks.
Icicles
Yes, icicles can be very pretty (although you probably don’t want to walk under them), but did you know they can also cause damage to your roof? The bigger they are, the heavier they are, and that weight means they can damage your roof or your gutters. Cleaning your gutters regularly can prevent icicles from forming, since water won’t get trapped by blockages there.
Condensation
We’re used to seeing condensation on all our cold drinks in the summer months. Unfortunately, the same thing can happen inside your roof, when the warm air from your house meets the cold surface of the roof. The standing water creates a risk of mold and mildew.
Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent these issues. But you can help mitigate them. For example, making sure your attic has proper ventilation will go a long way to reducing some of these winter weather worries.
Roof Replacement in Winter
Roof replacement in winter is a little more difficult than other times of the year. Once temperatures drop below 40 degrees, asphalt shingles become brittle and more prone to break during installation. Also, some self-adhesive shingles will have trouble bonding correctly.
You can replace your roof during the winter months, but you may need to wait for the right temperature range to schedule installation. The last thing you want is to replace your roof, only for a broken shingle to cause more damage. It’s also important to choose a reliable roofer who will guarantee their work and use correct techniques to ensure long-lasting quality.
About Grant Golliver
Grant Golliver is the third-generation owner of Messick Roofing & Construction. Serving Tulsa since 1962, our team has installed and repaired thousands of roofs for residential and commercial clients in the Tulsa area.
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The Oklahoma CIB and ORCA have both endorsed Messick for commercial and residential roofing jobs for years. In addition to our public endorsements, our family-owned company has provided quality roofing care and services in the Tulsa area since 1962.