How Snow and Ice Impact Your Roof

Brrr! Winter is here, and wintry conditions are coming in with it! That means snow and ice. What can this mean for your roof? Well, snow and ice cause plenty of inconveniences right here on the ground. However, your roof is perhaps the most at risk for serious complications. Winter precipitation accumulating on your roof can lead to a major impact on your home, so it’s crucial to be aware in order to catch early warning signs before they lead the weather right into the house!

Here at Pinnacle Roofing, we know that you want to keep your home in the best possible shape, and that’s why we’ve gathered the premier roofing experts in Memphis and the surrounding areas to provide you with the info you need to keep your home free of damage due to winter conditions. 

Read on to learn how to identify and protect your roof from problems associated with snow and ice.  

Stress due to precipitation

Just like human beings, roofs experience negative effects due to stress. In the coldest months of the year, the heavy weight of snowfall and ice freeze can build up, causing an increase in the pressure on the weight-bearing sections of your roof. In a worst-case scenario, this can eventually lead to a cave-in! Under the effects of gravity, rainwater will naturally flow to the lowest point on your roof. Once the temperature drops below freezing, if left untreated, this can lead to the formation of large ice blocks. These blocks will gradually grow heavier and heavier as precipitation continues to fall, leading to increased stress. The heavier the ice blocks, the more stress will build up, leading to greater chances of a cave-in. Yikes! 

Ice Dam Formation 

Ice Dam formation is another major issue to watch out for in the winter months. An ice dam forms when heavy snow build-up melts during the day, refreezing at night, over and over again. This process leads to the build-up gathering at the roof’s edge, which can cause ponding as the dam catches meltwater. This meltwater can seep through the shingles of your roof, damaging the attic below, as well as your ceilings, walls, and the rest of your home.

Freeze and Thaw

Snow and ice accumulation can leave cracks in your roof. After these cracks form, water is capable of seeping through, leading to many of the same sorts of issues present in ice damming. The more water manages to seep through these cracks, the more the overall structural integrity of your roof becomes compromised! The problem tends to compound as water seeping into the cracks goes on to freeze. With the freeze comes expansion, which in turn leads to more cracking. This cascade effect can result in tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home or more! 

Call Today for your Free Consultation! 

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about how snow and ice impact your roof. Pinnacle is proud to offer the absolute finest commercial, residential, and construction roofing available, so don’t hesitate to call on us for whatever you need when it comes to roofs! We offer evaluations free of charge, so whether you let your upkeep slip through the cracks (happens to the best of us!) or you just want to be confident that your roof stays in great shape, we’re here to help!