When the cold weather arrives, it brings a whole new set of home maintenance complications.  Your roof is particularly susceptible because it can quickly accumulate piles of snow and ice.  These have the potential to cause damage if left unattended. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common roofing issues and why you need to address them:

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, slowly thawing the snow that was sitting at the top of your roof, which then rolls down the roof and re-freezes when it reaches the roof’s edge where the temperature is lower.  This process carries on all winter until eventually, a large barrier of ice has formed which the melted snow further up the roof where it stays liquid because the heat from the roof keeps it melted.  Having water sitting on your roof in this manner can cause significant damage, particularly if your roof doesn’t have an ice and water barrier installed far enough up the roof deck. If you notice ice dams forming on your roof, be sure to address them as soon as possible before they cause water damage to your roof, attic, and ceiling.

Icicles

While knocking them down is a favorite winter pastime for kids, icicles can be dangerous and cause damage to your roof, as well as people and pets.  To protect yourself and your roof, ensure to safely break down any icicles that form and be sure to clean out your gutters to discourage icicles from being able to form.

Wind

While the biggest danger from a Nor’easter is certainly all the snow it brings, the high winds that pair with it can also cause damage to your roof.  If your roof edges were not properly installed, or the starter shingles lost their adhesive, a strong gust of wind could easily begin to dismantle your roof.  A strong roof starts with the edges, so it is important to ensure that the edges of your roof are properly installed to mitigate any major damage from those pesky Nor’easters.

Call Today

If you are looking for Maintenance & repair work, or you’re in need of a new roof entirely, be sure to reach out to Rhode Island slate roofing! Contact us today for more information about us and our available services!