How Ice and Snow Affect Your Roof

Accumulation of snow and ice can put thousands of pounds of pressure on your roof. Houses in Houston are not made to support that type of weight, which raises safety concerns for your home.

Ice Dams

Ice and snow form an ice dam, which is the accumulation of ice on the edge of the roof. When the temperature of the roof surface is higher than the eaves and gutters, ice dams will occur. For example, if the snow melts at the highest point of the roof, it will extend down towards your gutter. When the melted snow cannot flow through the drain, the stagnant water freezes into ice. Then, when the ice melts, it may leak from the roof, causing water stains on the ceiling.

Roof Stress

Ice dams are not the only cause of roof damage in winter. Heavy snow and ice storms can put heavy pressure on your roof. Some houses built before 1975 may not have enough structural support to withstand the accumulation of heavy snow and ice.

 

We all know each season has its own challenges. Whether it is hot or cold outside, Legendary Roofing Houston is here to make sure that your family is safe inside your home.

 

Contact our team today at(346) 763-5534 for a free estimate.

Ice Storms and Roof Damage

Ice storms are the silent threats of winter. Particularly here in Houston, most people underestimate their home’s vulnerability to winter because “winter weather” in Houston is relatively mild. That means homes here are often even more unprepared for ice, snow, and other hazardous precipitation.

After an Ice Storm

Once an ice storm is over and the ice has (mostly) melted away, it’s important to check your roof for damage. Always do so from the ground, where conditions are safe. Even if there does not appear to be any obvious damage, it’s always best to call Legendary Roofing Houston to make sure. Even hard-to-see damage can result in massive water issues.

Here are some of the most common damages to look for after an ice storm:

• Missing, split, or cracked shingles can result from falling ice or slushy rain

• Dented metal, particularly on gutters and flashings

• Missing granules that were knocked off by freezing rain or falling ice

• “Bruised” shingles that can eventually crack and allow water to penetrate

• Gutters that were bent, misaligned, or otherwise punctured by ice

What to do About Ice Damage?

If you can see any damage from the ground, call us right away; the longer you wait to repair cracked shingles and other vulnerable roofing layers, the more likely your home is to suffer from serious water damage.

Even if you cannot detect any damage, it’s important to contact a roofer to ensure there is no underlying damage. 

The sooner you call, the sooner you’re likely to get an appointment – remember that roofers get busy after particularly serious ice events!

Has your roof been damaged by ice?

Legendary Roofing Houston is your local roofing specialist. Give us a call and schedule your free roofing inspection. 

Call us anytime at (346) 763-5534.  

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Roof Damage and Repair Tips After a Winter Storm

 Winter storms can be devastating to your roof. With wind, snow, ice, and hail, your roof has to put up with a lot, and even the strongest ones often get damaged by harsh weather. 

If you discover roof damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible so your home isn’t at risk from water damage and cold air seeping into your house. Follow these steps to get your roof back into shape.

• Clean your Roof

If your roof is damaged, clear away any snow or debris blown onto it from the storm. This will make it easier to get a better look at the damage, and removing the extra weight will take some of the strain off your damaged roof. If you can’t safely clean off your roof yourself, hire a team of roofing contractors to get the job done.

• Inspect the Roof 

Once the roof is cleared off, do a thorough inspection to find any signs of damage. In addition to obvious punctures, look for damaged or missing shingles, wet or moldy patches, or places where the roof seems to sag. Don’t forget to check your gutters, chimney, and anything else attached to your roof.

• Call your Insurance Company

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover certain types of roof damage, so be sure to contact your insurance company once the storm is over. Show them the pictures you took of the damage. They will probably send a representative to your home to inspect the roof as well and help you figure out what steps to take next.

• Fix minor damage

Many homeowners prefer to fix minor damage such as missing shingles themselves. If you feel safe working on your roof, this may be an option if the damage isn’t too severe. Roofing supplies are widely available at home improvement and hardware stores. However, storm damage that extends deeper into your roof should always be handled by experienced roofing contractors. Your insurance company may also require that the repairs be completed by a roofing contractor.

• Look for additional damage

In addition to the obvious damage to your roof, the storm may have caused additional problems that are harder to spot. Check the inside of your attic for leaks and other signs of water damage. If they are small, it may take several days or weeks before they are visible, so be vigilant about inspecting your attic after a storm. Pay attention to discoloration or water spots that appear on your ceiling, or a dank, musty smell in your attic. All of these may be signs of additional damage.

• After the Storm

When Storms are over, check your home and property for damage. If you see any signs of damage, call your insurance company right away, and make sure to take pictures.

If there’s damage to the roof, don’t forget to contact Legendary Roofing Houston. We’ll inspect your roof for free and work with your insurance company to get you the best deal on repairs or a new roof.