The winter is coming, and with it comes many considerations for your home. Do you have the proper attic insulation? Are your gutters clean? Will your roof hold up to the drastic temperature fluctuations and lake effect snow?
The colder months bring many winter roofing emergencies, but you don’t have to let it cause you stress. Instead, you can take a few steps to mitigate any potential concerns so that your roof remains strong and effective through the season.
In this article, we’ll walk you through common winter roofing problems, as well as what you can do if you notice a problem. From preventative roof maintenance to emergency roof repair, learn all you need to know to safeguard your property this year.
What Are Winter Roofing Emergencies?
With the changing seasons comes many effects on your roof. From cold making your shingles brittle to ice melting and refreezing, there are many signs that you should watch for this year. Below, we have outlined the 5 most common winter roofing emergencies. If you notice any of these problems or other issues with your roof this winter, you need to call ASAP for emergency roof repair solutions. Keep reading to see what you should watch for, then to learn what you can do if you notice any serious roofing concerns.
1. Ice Damming
Snow is common in Northwest Indiana, but it can have serious effects on your roof. Without proper attic insulation, gutter cleaning, and roofing maintenance, you may notice ice damming on your roof. This occurs when the snow starts to melt higher on the warm areas of your roof. As the water runs down the roof, it starts to freeze again in the cooler areas. This builds a dam of ice along the lower parts of your roof, which prevents effective drainage.
Ice damming can be caused by many factors. This is common with inadequate insulation that causes some parts of the roof to be warm from the air inside of your home, whereas other parts remain cold. In addition, clogged gutters are a common culprit for ice damming. Because the water cannot drain through your gutters, it can get caught on your roof and refreeze, creating a dam.
If you notice ice damming or other winter roofing emergencies, you need to contact a roofing company right away. Ice damming can weigh down your gutters, damage your roof, and lead to water damage to your roof, attic, ceilings, and walls. By contacting a roofer right away, you can get quick emergency roof repairs so that you don’t have to worry about further damage.
2. Attic Condensation
A little condensation may not sound like such a bad thing, but it actually has many serious implications. Condensation in your attic means that you don’t have proper insulation in your home. This condensation can lead to devastating consequences, including structural damage, mold growth, and rot.
Condensation typically forms in your attic when the warm air from inside of your house comes into contact with the cold air from outside in the winter. If this condensation is recurrent, you will be dealing with water damage to your roofing materials, ceiling, and walls. The condensation can damage any wooden structural elements, cause mold and mildew growth, and lead to expensive repair bills.
When you see condensation in your attic, it’s important to get in touch with your local roofers. This way, you can find solutions that work best for your home. This may be as simple as having attic insulation installed so that your home is protected through the winter.
3. Shingle Damage
Unfortunately, shingles often become more brittle in the sub-zero temperatures of winter in Northwest Indiana. This change leads to easier breakage, which can leave you with a damaged roof. Broken, cracked, and warped shingles can make your roof vulnerable to leaking and weather damage.
If you notice that your shingles are broken or damaged in the winter, it’s important to call in your local roofers right away. If left alone, damaged shingles can lead to serious leaks, water damage, mold growth, roof rotting, and other complicated problems.
While you wait for your roofers to arrive, it’s important to control any leaks as best as you can. If it’s safe for you to do so, you can place a tarp over areas of missing shingles on your roof. Only do this if you have the proper equipment, the roof is not icy, and you feel safe getting onto the roof. Otherwise, contain any leaks from inside using a bucket. Whether you can contain the leak or not, it’s important to call in your local roofers immediately so that they can find the best solution to repair your roof.
4. Punctures
The winter weather in NWI can be unpredictable. From strong winds to sudden lake effect snow storms, your roof has a lot to endure. These weather events can lead to damage. In the winter, your roof is more brittle and vulnerable to damage. Because of this, fallen tree branches and other debris can puncture your roof.
Roof punctures require emergency roof repair because even small holes have significant consequences. A minor puncture lets water in, which can penetrate through many layers of your roof and seep into your attic, ceiling, and walls.
If you notice a puncture or hole in your roof this winter, you need to call in your trusted roofing company right away. Your roofers will assess the damage, find the best repair strategy, and keep you protected through the rest of the winter months. Also, you should try to contain the leak as best as possible. This may include just catching dripping water in a bucket until the roofers arrive.
5. Roof Collapse
A collapsed roof is a major winter roofing emergency. From a small collapse in an isolated area to a massive structural collapse of most of your roof, this is one of the biggest problems that can occur in the wintertime. Not only does a roof collapse cause damage to your home, but it is also dangerous for you and your family.
Whether the collapse was caused by heavy snowfall, a fallen tree, or another problem, you need to take immediate action to best protect you, your household, and your home. The first step is to get out of your house and move somewhere safe, such as a trusted friend or family member’s house. Then, call in a roofer immediately.
Emergency roof repair is always needed for a roof collapse. In many cases, such as a fallen tree damaging the roof, your homeowner’s insurance may pay for the damages and the roof replacement. Regardless, it’s imperative that you get assistance right away to minimize further damage to your property.
What Should I Do If I Need Emergency Roof Repair This Winter?
When you’re facing winter roofing emergencies, you’re most concerned about protecting your biggest investment – your house! To best provide care for your home and keep your household safe, there are a few steps that you should remember as you plan for emergency roof repair this winter. Below, we have outlined the three most important things for you to do after you notice a leak, damaged shingles, ice damming, holes, or a collapse.
1. Stay Safe
The most important step in emergency roof repair is keeping yourself and your household safe. If you’re dealing with a collapse, you need to get out of the house and find somewhere safe to stay until the roof has been repaired.
It’s also important that you don’t try to fix your roof yourself this winter. The winter weather often leads to slippery and dangerous conditions on your roof. Without proper equipment and training, you can become seriously injured. Leave winter emergency roof repair to the professionals.
2. Contain Any Leaks
If your roofing emergency is causing a leak, try your best to contain the water. Typically, this can just include placing a bucket under the leak. Whether you hear dripping in your attic or it’s coming through your ceiling, you need to do what you can to prevent further water damage.
Sometimes, you may be able to get to the damaged area of your roof and place a tarp over it until the roofers can come. However, in the winter, this can be hazardous. Do not get on your roof if it is snowy, icy, or otherwise slippery. Likewise, don’t climb on your roof if you do not feel confident that you can do it safely. Instead, contain the leak from inside as best as you can.
3. Call Your Roofers
The best way to get your winter roofing concerns addressed is by rapidly reaching out to your local roofers. The sooner you call, the faster your roofers will arrive to inspect your roof and find the best solution for you.
Once the roofing company completes an inspection, they will give you the most reliable options to fix your roof. Whether this is a few new shingles or an entire roof replacement, you can look forward to emergency roof repair to keep you covered for the rest of the winter.
IMPORTANT TIP: Prevention is the Best Protection!
The best way to keep your roof and home safe this winter is by providing routine maintenance for your roof. This includes a few important steps. Firstly, you should clean your gutters or have them cleaned toward the end of the fall season. During the autumn, leaves fall from the trees and will clog your gutters. This increases the risk of ice damming, water damage, and other problems for your roof. Keep your roof safe by keeping your gutters clean.
In addition, it’s important to schedule routine roof inspections. This way, your roofer can find any budding concerns before they grow into a serious problem. Your roofers will be able to find missing shingles, holes in your roof, signs of wear and tear, and any other concern before the winter comes. Then, you’ll be more protected throughout the cold months so that you can avoid winter roofing emergencies.
Need Emergency Roof Repair in Northwest Indiana? Discount Roof is Here to Help All Season!
Are you struggling with a leak, ice damming, broken shingles, or another winter roofing emergency? Don’t wait! Call Discount Roof today for emergency roof repair in Valparaiso, Chesterton, Hobart, La Porte, and throughout Northwest Indiana. We’ll be here all winter, ready to answer your call and find a rapid solution for your home. From the biggest collapse to the smallest leak, our team is trained and ready to keep you covered this winter. Call us today to schedule an inspection and quote for your roof repairs.