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Winter brings its own set of hazards, from snow damage repairs to emergency fixes after a storm, especially due to the weight of snow . Your roof, gutters, walls, and even the inside of your home can all be at risk of damage from snow and ice. When the snow and ice build up, trouble often lurks beneath - and if you don't catch it, you could be looking at leaks, freeze damage, and even structural damage.
In this guide, we'll run through the leading causes of ice dams, frozen pipes, heavy snow, and other winter problems, what to look out for, and how to prevent damage in the first place. Whether you're worried about snow piling up on your roof, roof snow problems, winter storm damage, or structural damage from heavy snow, this is a complete guide to what you need to know.
Port Perry gets hit with a lot of heavy snowfall, so the weight of it all is pretty significant for your roof and the rest of your home. As the snow builds up, the stress can start to show - cracks in your walls, shingles coming loose, the whole shebang. And if it freezes into ice, the weight becomes even more of a problem, and it gets harder for the water to drain.
Snow and ice tend to shift as they freeze and thaw, allowing water to seep in under your roofing materials. That's one of the main ways winter can be such a pain in the neck.
Ice dams, especially the existing ice dams, are a total pain to deal with, and they usually form when heat from the attic escapes and melts the snow on the roof. But then the melted snow refreezes, of course, at the bottom edge of the roof.
Warm air from the attic starts melting the snow higher up on the roof
The water flows downwards
At the colder bit of the roof, the water refreezes
Before you know it, a thick layer of ice has built up
And that's when the problems really start
Keep an eye out for these signs:
Icicles hanging off the edge of the roof
Stains on your walls or ceiling
Drafts or cold spots in the rooms above
Buckled or damaged shingles
Water near the windows or chimney
Damp siding
If you spot any of these, you've probably already got ice dams that need attention.
Too much snow on the roof and it can start to weaken it over time. And if the snow freezes into really thick ice, the risk goes up and up - you could even be looking at a roof collapse.
As the snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, water can get in under the shingles and cause leaks, damage, and all sorts of other problems.
If you're at risk of a roof collapse, you'll probably start to notice some pretty worrying signs - creaking from the ceiling, bowed walls, sticking windows and doors, new cracks and all the rest. Don't hang around - get a pro in there ASAP.
As temperatures start to drop, ensuring proper insulation can help prevent frozen pipes, which are among the most common reasons for emergency repairs. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause the pipes to burst.
Frozen pipes often show up in:
The garage
The basement
The attic
Exterior walls
Any area that's not well-insulated
A burst pipe can lead to severe water damage in no time.
When your gutters get clogged with snow and ice, they can get all bent out of shape or even come loose. And if the water gets blocked from draining, it can start to back up and get into your roof, siding and walls. This is often the first sign of a problem because the water can't flow out properly.
The type of roofing you've got - shingles, metal, composite, whatever - makes a big difference in how well your roof handles winter. And homes without good attic ventilation or insulation are much more likely to develop ice dams, leaks, and cold spots.
A well-ventilated and well-insulated attic, potentially through adding insulation, keeps the heat in the living areas, keeps the roof cold, and prevents ice dams.
A roof rake lets you safely clear snow from the edge of the roof from the ground. It keeps the weight of the snow down, reduces the chance of ice dams, and makes life easier for your home's structure. Removing snow from the lower 3-4 feet of the roof - that's one of the most effective ways to prevent ice dams from forming.
Having good insulation keeps the heat in, where it belongs, instead of letting it escape up to the roof. If heat keeps escaping, ice dams will form much more easily. Putting in more insulation or topping up what you already have in your attic is a good idea - it'll cut down on:
The formation of ice dams
Pressure on your roofing materials
The risk of leaks
Long-term costly repairs
For a healthy roof in the winter, good airflow is key. If your attic is well ventilated, it'll stay cool, which will help stop snow from melting and slow the growth of ice dams.
Getting a professional to inspect your roof during the winter months is a great way to catch any problems before they get out of hand. When they go over your roof, they'll be on the lookout for:
Any weak areas
Loose shingles
Small cracks
Blocked gutters
Poor drainage
Potential problems that might get worse during the rain, freeze, and thaw cycles
In some cases, heat cables can help with managing ice around the roof edges. Now, they're not a full fix, but they can slow the formation of ice in high-risk areas.
Proper snow removal is a big deal, and safety precautions should always be taken whether you're paying someone to do it or doing it yourself . Whether you're paying someone to do it or doing it yourself, make sure you're taking the right precautions.
Use a roof rake from the ground - don't get up onto your roof
Wear proper winter gear when you're outside: good boots and gloves
Keep the kids away from falling snow and icicles
Get rid of any snow that's accumulated around the foundation of your home too
Professionals can safely remove snow from roofs, which is a big plus
Regular snow removal can really reduce the risk of structural damage, ice dams, and unexpected repairs throughout the season.
If you notice any signs of a leak, a sag, or some sudden water infiltration, these issues can wreak havoc, and you're probably going to need some urgent roof repairs. Winter conditions can escalate fast, so it's good to be on top of things as soon as you can.
Move any valuables away from the affected area
Place some buckets or pans under any leaks to catch the water
Don't try to scrape or chip the ice yourself - it's not worth the risk
Try to limit how often you open and close any windows or doors in the affected area
Call in a professional for the repairs - or a local roofer
Get on top of any frozen pipes ASAP
Keep a record and take some photos, just in case you need to go to the insurance company.
Winter issues can get a whole lot worse if you don't address them right away.
Stopping winter damage needs a mix of regular maintenance and some forward thinking.
Get your gutters cleaned before the season starts
Consider getting your roof inspected at least twice a year
Seal and insulate around your windows and doors
Make sure your roof is ready by replacing any missing shingles
Clear any drainage paths outside
Improve the insulation in your attic and walls
Use a timer to stop your heating system from running unnecessarily
Stay on top of any minor repairs to prevent bigger issues from developing.
These steps can really help protect your home, cut down on the risk of leaks, and keep you ahead of any winter problems.
Winter conditions are bad news for a lot of homes, and they can lead to:
Fixing frozen pipes
Removing ice dams
Dealing with roof snow issues
Emergency home repairs
Fixing winter-related leaks
Replacing damaged siding
Clearing gutter ice buildup
Avoiding structural damage from heavy snow
It sounds overwhelming, but with regular maintenance and quick action, you can avoid many long-term issues.
But with proactive measures and the right preparation, you can prevent most of the problems that come with winter. Whether it's managing snow load, stopping ice dams, dealing with frozen pipes, or keeping your roof maintained, regular winter home maintenance can really help keep your home safe and comfortable.
By staying proactive, using the right tools and scheduling some seasonal check-ups, you can really cut down on the risk of long-term issues and avoid any major, costly repairs during the coldest months.
If you're ever unsure about snow removal, suspect ice-dam damage, or notice any other concerning winter signs, don't hesitate to get in touch with a qualified professional who can help protect your home's interior all season long.
