Three of the Most Common Winter Roof Problems: Solutions from a Roofing Contractor in New Bern, NC

Whenever we are called out to a roof repair job during the winter, chances are it’s going to involve at least one of the three most common types of winter roof problems we see: ice dams, condensation and icicles. Sometimes these problems can be resolved by homeowners themselves, but in a lot of cases, it’s safer and smarter to leave the solutions up to skilled roofing professionals.

Here’s some information about each of these common roof problems from a longtime roofing contractor in New Bern, NC.

Ice dams

Roofing companies typically deal with ice dams by breaking them up with tools and then using chemicals to prevent them from reforming. Calcium chloride is the best such chemical. Some homeowners who don’t know any better will attempt to use rock salt to fix ice dams, but this salt can be very harsh on surfaces for which it was not intended to be used and can cause some irreversible damage to your roofing materials.

The process of breaking ice dams can be time-consuming and dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to professional roofers. You might consider having them install low-heat cable systems to reduce the potential risk of ice damage and the heavy weights associated with ice dams on your roof. Preventing the formation of ice dams is just as important as breaking them up, if not more so.

Condensation

Condensation can collect on the rooftop in the winter months as heat escapes through your attic and roof. As this condensation builds and builds (and freezes), it could have a negative impact on the structural integrity of your roof. In addition, the water that builds up could seep into your house and cause water damage to your walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures.

If you believe you are having issues with condensation on your roof, it is best to contact a roofing professional who can carefully inspect your roof and determine the best solution. Often the best means of resolving the problem is a specialized ventilation plan to ensure the condensation does not do any significant amount of damage.

Icicles

If you really want to remove icicles by yourself, you can break them by using a rake, as it allows you to stand some distance away while knocking them down. However, there are some types of icicles that are best left to professionals to deal with. If left clinging to the roof and gutters, icicles could potentially be extremely dangerous to people walking or standing beneath.

Roofers will break off icicles with special tools, and will also use chemical de-icers to treat particularly icy areas and prevent them from reforming. Calcium chloride is once again the go-to solution here, as it is both effective while also protecting your roofing materials and avoiding damage to plant life in the area.

For more information about how professional roofers can resolve the most common winter roof problems, contact a skilled roofing contractor in New Bern, NC with Dallas Cherry Roofing. We look forward to discussing your roof with you!

Categorised in: Roofing Contractor

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