Winter takes its toll on roofs and with the winter we have been having it is especially hard on flat roofs. Roofing contractors in Oakville have had an increase in the number of calls they get from customers with leaks and other roofing related issues. The roof is a vital part of any structure and needs special care and attention to prevent leaks and damage.
We have put together a list of winter related roofing problems and solutions for fixing and preventing them. Remember, the roof is a dangerous place at any time, but in the winter, it is very slippery; always call a local roofing professional when you have roof problems or require an inspection.
Problem #1 – Ice Dam
Ice dams are common on residential sloped roofs but can also occur on flat roofs. An ice dam is a location where ice has built-up. It usually occurs around the edge of a sloped roof but can also occur around flashing on a flat roof. It allows water to sit and possibly run under the flashing or shingles. It needs to be dealt with quickly to avoid leaks. A roofing contractor in the Oakville area can quickly solve the problem.
Problem #2 – Icicles
Sure, they look nice on some older houses but they cause several problems. They form when water drips off the edge of the roof and re-freezes. They can be very dangerous to anyone standing underneath them. If they break, they can cause bodily injury and damage to cars and property. The second issue with them is they are very heavy and put stress on a roof and gutter system, which can cause damage to the roof structure.
Icicles are prevented by keeping eaves clean and having excess snow removed from your roof before it starts to melt. This should only be done by a roofing professional.
Problem #3 – Condensation
Condensation occurs when inadequate insulation or improper venting in your roof and warm air is allowed to seep through the ceiling and meets with cold, outside air. The result is condensation that forms on the inside of the building and drips below. The fix is relatively easy in most situations – proper ventilation or insulation is installed or a moisture barrier can be built on the inside of the roof to prevent this problem from occurring again.
Problem #4 – Excess snow buildup
With the winter we have had here in Southern Ontario, roofing contractors in Oakville and Burlington has received many more calls about snow buildup than in previous seasons.
Flat roofs are designed to withstand certain snow loads but with the season we have been having and the lack of a January melt, snow has been building up on rooftops everywhere. Excess snow buildup puts a tremendous strain on the roof structure and can block vents and mechanical equipment. In rare cases, if the roof has not been properly designed, it can collapse. The best way to prevent structural damage and an excess amount of water runoff in the spring is to have a roofing contractor in Oakville remove the snow. They do so the old fashion way – with shovels. This sounds simple enough to do but should be left to the experts, as the roof is slippery and contains pipes and vents that could be damaged by someone inexperienced with flat roofs.
Why take chances this year with your roof. Have it inspected in the winter to prevent damage and possible problems when the snow starts to melt. It is an inexpensive alternative to repairing a roof damaged by snow and ice.