Can Ice and Snow Cause Roof Damage?
Many people have the misconception that the ice and snow that accumulate on roofs cause no damage. This is not true! Ice and snow can cause roof damage if it accumulates too much, and it’s important to have your roof inspected and repaired when it occurs to prevent leaks, molding, and many other safety hazards.
Why Does Ice and Snow Cause Roof Damage?
When too much snow or ice accumulates on your roof, it can prevent water from draining away from the roof system. When water remains trapped on the roof, it can leak into your home and cause damage to the roof, ceilings, walls, and insulation.
Snow and ice buildup on roofs can cause leaking roof system damage, which can lead to mold and rot on the ceiling and walls of your home. Snow and ice can also cause water to seep under shingles, where they become a danger to both people and property.
This can cause ice dams that leak into your home. Ice dams can form on flat roofs and sloped roofs. These dams can form when snow melts and refreezes, often on roofs near your attic. When ice dams form, the melted snow and the water trapped behind the dam can leak into the attic and cause water damage.
Ways to Avoid Ice and Snow Damage to Roofs
Many roofs come with ice and water shield, which discourages ice and snow from accumulating. Ice and water shield is usually made of a type of rubber, and it’s designed to melt when exposed to water.
The rubber also prevents water from freezing as it flows towards the roof system. Some people use roof rakes to remove snow from roofs as well, but they can also remove ice.
What To Do If Ice and Snow Damage Occurs on Your Roof?
If you have ice or snow buildup on your roof, don’t remove it yourself. Climbing on roofs to remove snow and ice is dangerous and might lead to injuries. It’s also difficult to remove large amounts of snow and ice from roofs, especially if the roofs have steep slopes.
Rather than risking your own safety, it’s better to call a professional to remove snow and ice from your roof. Professional residential roofing experts know how to safely remove snow and ice from roofs. They can also inspect roofs for any damage that might have occurred before snow and ice removal.
Contact our experts at Starr Roofing & Exteriors in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) area for a free estimate if you have ice or snow damage on your roof!