Summer is long gone and we’re slipping further into fall, which means that winter is on the horizon. While it’s nice to escape from the oppressive heat and frequent storms summer can bring, it doesn’t take away from the potential hazards to your home that colder weather brings.
One of the most devastating sources of roof damage is water, which only becomes more troublesome when it turns into snow or even worse sleet—or freezing rain. Commonly known as a “wintry mix” during weather reports, freezing rain can cause lasting damage to your roof if you’re not prepared.
The more you delay in preparing your home for sleet, the more likely you are to experience the need for expensive replacements and repairs. In this article, our expert team of roofing specialists at Maggio Roofing explain more about this natural weather condition to help you get your home ready for winter this year.
Understanding Why Freezing Rain is Harmful
It’s true that freezing rain is not as immediately damaging as hail or as heavy as snow accumulation, but that just makes sleet that much more dangerous to your roof. As sleet builds up, it can further damage an aging or weaker roof.
When the roof is compromised by sleet, the water can leak into your attic. This can also cause your shingles to be loosened and standing pools of water to collect on your rooftop. This can also cause ice dams to form.
Ice Dam Destruction
When an ice dam forms, that’s when the real damage starts to occur. Ice dams occur due to a rotating cycle of low temperatures and slightly warmer temperatures, which results in the pools of water melting and reforming over and over again. The longer this continues, the more stress is put on your roofing system. This in turn necessitates roof repair or roof replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
Fortunately, there are things you can do in the event you have an ice dam on the roof. These tasks include:
- Scraping off all of the excess snow, sleet, or ice that you can.
- Monitoring the attic areas near the ice dam for leaks.
- Maintaining vigilance as long as the ice dam exists.
- Checking for water stains on the ceilings in all rooms.
- Placing a box fan in the attic directed at the area near the ice dam to help circulate the warmer air of the attic.
- Try to catch any leaks that develop.
- Contact your Washington DC roofing company for assistance.
Staying Ahead of the Problem
The key with any solution is to stay ahead of the issue before it becomes a problem. When it comes to the effects of freezing rain on your roof, that means having inspections of your roofing to identify and deal with potential problems. You will never be as aware of your roof concerns as when you have a thorough inspection performed by a reputable Washington, D.C. roof repair company.
When to Have Your Roof Inspected
Ideally, trained professionals perform regular inspections at least twice a year. The best times of the year are once in the fall and once in the spring. However, another time an inspection is necessary is in the winter when precipitation has occurred. In general, homeowners should stay vigilant and check for signs that your roof is damaged throughout the year, and especially after freezing rains have occurred.
Some common signs of sleet damage include loose flashings, loose metal trim, loose shingles, dented gutter systems, and pooling water. Keep in mind that if water is pooling, this likely indicates your gutter system isn’t performing. Make sure your gutters and drains are clear of any obstruction and make sure to scoop away any water before it has the chance to freeze over and form an ice dam.
Inspecting Your Home’s Interior for Roof Problems
It’s not just the outside of the house that needs inspection during these cold times. You also need to inspect the inside of the house. The main areas to inspect are the attic, ceilings, and even the walls. Some of the warning signs you want to look for include:
- Water stains on the ceiling.
- Discolored interior walls near the roof.
- Deformation of interior wall near the roof.
- Window frames or skylights are leaking or have leaked.
- Visible signs of rust on roof structure.
- Signs of mold anywhere on interior walls or ceilings.
Superior Roof Replacement in Washington, D.C.
Since 1989, the team has been the Washington DC roofing company of choice for customers in DC and the surrounding area. Whether you need a roof repair or roof replacement in Washington DC, we are ready to assist by holding to our values of expertise and superior customer service.
Our customers know they can count on us for the following services:
- Roofing Maintenance
- Roofing Installations
- Roof Repairs
- Roof Replacements
- Commercial Roofing
Ready to get started with your Washington DC roofing company? Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional roofing services or fill out our online form to schedule your free quote.
