As the last leaves fall from Wisconsin's trees, many of us breathe a sigh of relief that winter is finally here. But for your roof, the changing seasons bring a different set of challenges. Specifically, winter can be particularly harsh on roofs in Wisconsin due to the cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
The most common issue with winter roofs is ice damming. When warm air from homes inside seeps under the roof's insulation and meets the cold exterior temperature, it causes water to freeze and accumulate at the eaves of the roof - or ice dams. This can lead to significant damage as water flows backward down into the house through the underlayment, potentially causing leaks and mold growth in the walls.
If your home has a single-ply rubber roof, you're more likely to experience this issue since the cold air seeps right through to the underside of the material. On the other hand, homes with composite or asphalt shingle roofs are less susceptible due to their insulation properties. However, even these types of roofs can still be affected by high winds that rip off the protective layer, exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Another issue that's common in Wisconsin during winter is snow load. The weight of the accumulated snow on top of your roof can lead to structural issues and potentially collapse it if it becomes too heavy. In order to minimize this risk, it's essential to have a regular maintenance schedule for shoveling or hiring professionals to clear off your roof.
Before you start shoveling, make sure you're prepared with the right gear - a sturdy shovel, ice melt, and some gloves to keep your hands warm. When clearing snow from your roof, avoid overloading it with too much weight at once and always follow safety guidelines for working on steep surfaces.