Snow and Ice-Damaged Roofing

The cold weather brings new challenges to our properties while exacerbating old issues like cracked guttering. Some damage will be visible if it’s causing other concerns, but many problems remain hidden until they worsen over time. If you get snowy or icy conditions where you are, here’s what to do about it to protect your roofing in the winter.

Can ice damage your roof?

Snow and ice can cause a lot of damage to your roofing, from water leaks to ice dams. Ice dams are made when snow melts and then refreezes, creating thick ice ridges along your roof’s edges. When snow melts further, it may not be able to drain properly from your rooftop, leading to water pooling. This is why we often see roof leaks after icy weather.

Winter brings all the joys of the Great British Weather – from high rainfall to hailstone-damaged roofs. The extra weight of snow and ice on your roof can also cause strain, especially if your roofing is already coming to the end of its lifespan or has existing damage. During the winter, we even see some roofs sagging or cracking under any extra weight they carry.

What happens if you don’t remove snow from your roof?

If snow is fleeting, most households won’t need to remove snow from their roofing. However, in some instances, the weight of snow can exceed a roof’s ability to withstand the extra weight, especially if ice dams form, preventing effective drainage from the area. Trapped snow and ice can also lead to rot, mould and mildew in the rooting timbers and other materials.

However, removing snow from your roof is a risky business, so never attempt to do this job yourself. Call a roofing contractor to advise further.

How do you check for snow and ice damage on your roof?

After icy weather hits, roof inspections are always a good idea to check for signs of damage. Never attempt to climb up to your roofing yourself (even if someone is holding the ladder!). However, if you see missing tiles or visible ice dams, call a roofer immediately.

A professional roofer can assess your home for weather damage, including your guttering, tiles and flat roofs. They’ll also check your roof drainage system is working as it should.

Can you prevent ice-damaged roofing?

There are lots of ways to prevent weather-damaged roofing. Regular roofing inspections are key, catching problems early so that repairs can be scheduled. Ensure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation to reduce melting snow issues while keeping your roof’s temperature consistent.

You should regularly clear your gutters to provide a proper passage for water to leave your roofing. If debris gets trapped, it can also make it more likely that water will freeze within the blockage, expanding as it does and breaking the pipes.

Book a roof inspection now

Collier Roofing operates across Surrey and London locations, including Woldingham and Banstead. To hire our roofing contractors, contact us today.