Why Freezing Weather Is Bad For Your Roof
The arrival of winter means a drop in temperature here in North Texas. Even if you enjoy a lower temperature range in your area, you will not be happy with the impact of freezing conditions on your roof system. Home and business owners have a compelling reason to worry about the possibility of increasing problems with their roofs in winter weather conditions and must take all steps necessary to protect the integrity of their roofs and property. At Springtree Restoration, our team of licensed roofing contractors is always ready to work with people throughout the DFW Metroplex to handle any kind of roofing related problem, including problems caused by freezing weather.
Regardless of the time of year, unexpected roof repairs are a problem that most people are not ready to deal with. However, if there are problems with your roof system in the winter months, this can be very annoying. Cold temperatures increase the likelihood of storms and rain, and strong winds can directly affect the integrity of your roof and repair costs because of the increased difficulty of repairs.
Rain Storms Can be a Real Burden
While winter in Texas does not always promise a white Christmas or even frequent snowstorms, a rainstorm will likely cause a surprising drop in temperature. After the barometer goes into freezing temperatures, water that falls during a thunderstorm is more likely to turn to ice. This can cause problems for your roofing system if the problem is not resolved quickly. Small cracks or gaps in your roof can be filled with water. When the temperature drops and this liquid turns to ice, the same cracks can enlarge and create a way for water to penetrate. If water penetrates and freezes on the roof, it can damage the integrity and function of your entire structure.
Be Cautious of Ice Dams
An ice dam is a problem that has been known to occur mainly on shingle roofs. In most cases, this problem happens when the roof edge is below 32 degrees while other areas of the roof are warmer. This shift in temperature causes moisture to develop on upper parts of the roof which trickle down to the edge before turning into ice. As more and more ice develops, the water backs itself up into the cracks and crevices of your roof and goes under the shingles wherever possible.
The best way to prevent ice dams from causing serious damage to your roof is to use a rake, broom, or another tool to carefully break ice from the edge of your roof. It is important to avoid damaging your gutters when doing this though. Another option is to use some type of heating system to handle the problem although this process can be more challenging and require a larger time investment.
Thermal Shock can be a Problem
Certain types of roofs, especially tiles, are vulnerable to damage due to repeated temperature changes that range from 20 to 30 degrees in a day. This problem is known as thermal shock. This happens when high temperatures are observed on the roof during the day, followed by much cooler temperatures at night. Older roofs are more likely to be thermally shaken than new installations or material. With this particular problem, the roof expands when it heats up and then slowly contracts again until finally, it gets out of tension.
In some cases, if you are worried about thermal shock, it is best to check your roof for falling problems. After persistent cold weather, you can ask for a follow up to see if there is damage. Another spring test can be a great way to find out if your roof is effectively facing the temperature changes associated with this seasonal shift.
Contact Springtree Restoration in Allen, TX for Emergencies
If you’re dealing with problems related to your roof in the middle of winter, then it is important to get everything taken care of as quickly as possible. To find out more about how our team can help you take care of damage caused by freezing weather, don’t hesitate to contact us right away to get started!