Water stains on the ceiling in the wake of a heavy snowfall? Energy bills that seem to have a mind of their own come January? Or perhaps you are concerned as to what another mountain winter will do to a roof with its share of wear and tear.
You would not be the only one asking these questions. We at Elite Roofing have been putting our years of experience to work for homeowners in West Virginia and further afield, shielding them from the kind of weather Appalachia puts out. Pick up the phone at (304) 758-9992 and we can have a conversation about what your roof is facing this season.
There is no denying the beauty of an Appalachian winter, but it is unforgiving on a roof. From the wet snow and gale force winds to the freezing nights and quick thaws, it is a month by month attrition. To spare you the cost of major repairs down the line, we have put together a rundown of the problems most often seen so you can be on the lookout.
Ice Dams and Trapped Water
In the mountains we run across ice dams more than any other cold-weather issue. They are the result of heat from within the home melting the snow at the roof’s apex; the water makes its way to the colder edges where it refreezes into an ice ridge, impeding drainage. With the dam in place there is no outlet for the melt, so it will back up under the shingles and make its way in. You might see a stain on the ceiling and think nothing of it, but the water has likely been at work behind the scenes for some time.
Look for these to tell you an ice dam is in the making:
- Icicles of considerable size on the gutters or roof edge
- Staining on the interior of walls or ceilings
- Gutters packed with ice
- Discoloration or dampness around the attic ceiling
- Patches of snow on the roof that have not melted like the rest
Shingles and the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Asphalt shingles do not fare well with the freeze-thaw cycle that is typical of an Appalachian winter. One day it is a sunny afternoon above freezing, the next a hard drop in temperature. Daytime water works its way into the smallest of fissures and then expands as it freezes, opening them up. Do this over the course of a winter and the shingles will start to curl and crack and shed the granules that are their defense. Without those granules the shingle can no longer do its job of keeping the sun and water off your home.
Gutter Woes
Wet snow, ice and old leaves put a strain on your gutters they were not designed for. A clogged or sagging gutter means water is going to pool and freeze instead of being carried off. It is a recipe for ice dams. The easiest thing to do to head off winter damage is to keep your gutters in good order.
Wind Damage
A storm coming over a ridge or through a valley brings some fierce wind. Shingles can be torn away or merely lifted enough to let in water. Make it a point after a big blow to check from the ground for anything amiss with your shingles or pieces in the yard.
Condensation in the Attic
Some issues originate from within. A cold roof deck and the warm air of your home will create condensation in the attic which, left to itself, will weaken the wood and encourage rot and mold. Proper ventilation and insulation go a long way to tempering this and the ice dams mentioned above. Be alert to:
- An unexplained increase in heating costs
- Nails in the decking that have rusted
- Insulation that is matted or damp
- Frost on the roof deck
- Mustiness in the attic
Make Repairs Before Spring
A cracked shingle will become several if you are not on top of it; small leaks and sodden insulation are not going to right themselves. Early intervention is what keeps the home dry and the bill manageable.
We are an Owens Corning Platinum Contractor, the best the manufacturer has to offer, and have been of service to West Virginia since 2015. Our work comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and we are licensed and insured round the clock. We can help with financing, free estimates and insurance claims.
Call us at (304) 758-9992 if your roof has taken a beating this winter and we will put you in a position to weather the next storm.
