Though roof damage is dismal no matter what the season, fixing a roof in winter can be a real challenge due to snow and ice. Roof expert Millie Hindes of Watergate Roofing talks about two common dangers to roofs during winter and how to prevent or fix them:

Wind Damage

Heavy winter winds can blow shingles off a roof. Lost shingles can be repaired if you lose only a few and as long as there is no snow or ice on the roof. Though roof shingles do not naturally seal together in temperatures under 40 degrees, your contractor can use a few dabs of an all-weather roof cement to make sure the new shingles are sealed. After losing shingles to high winds, the whole roof should be checked as well in case other shingles have been loosened or are unsealed.

Ice Damage

If your gutters are clogged, the runoff from snow melting on your roof has nowhere to flow. The water refreezes on your roof and underneath your shingles, forming an ice dam and causing leaks. Clean your gutters in late fall after all the leaves have fallen so that water is not trapped. You can also melt snow to make sure it does not build up on your roof; however, if this is risky for you, do not endanger yourself! If ice dams have formed, you can break up the ice with a tool such as a shovel or pickaxe. Roof shingles tend to be brittle in cold weather, so be careful!

Roof damage in winter can be difficult to fix due to extreme weather conditions. Be sure to consult or hire a professional roofer so your roof can be fixed safely. Reach out to Millie Hindes of Watergate Roofing for a reputable roofing company.