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When winter sets in, it is a good idea to take a look at the roof of your house. If you notice some leaky areas or your roof looks like it needs repairs, you might want to consider hiring a professional. It is important to remember that the colder temperatures sometimes make it harder for Blair County roofing contractors to find leaks. However, there are some things you can do on your own before they start work. Here are 6 common problems that might occur when winter sets in.

The 6 most common roofing problems in winter

The following are some of the most common problems that can occur in winter. If you happen to notice any of these issues, it's a good idea to call a professional before they start working.

Ice dams

Ice dams are the result of melting snow and ice that builds up on the roof, which then freezes and creates an ice dam. This buildup is often caused by improperly installed gutters or flashing around chimneys. The dam prevents water from draining properly, rotting away the shingles. This can also cause damage over time to not only your roof but also to your siding and other structures. The best way to prevent this problem is to have your gutters professionally installed, ensuring there is no ice build-up when it starts raining again.

Torn or missing shingles

It's no surprise that torn or missing shingles are one of the most common roofing problems in winter. In fact, when you live in a colder climate like Minnesota, torn or missing shingles are almost a guarantee.

Shingle granules on your roof

When the sun begins to shine through your roof, that means that it's time for repairs. Shingle granules falling from your roof means that there is a hole somewhere, and it needs to be taken care of immediately.

Mold

Mold will always appear on roofs because water damage is inevitable, but when there is too much mold on your roof, it becomes a problem. You need to make sure that this doesn't continue to grow if you want your health to remain intact.

Cracked Ceilings

The combination of heat from above and below can cause the ceiling drywall to separate from the framing at ceilings with no attic insulation installed. This problem is more common in older houses; newer homes typically install attic insulation to avoid this problem.

Leaks in Your Roof

A common sign of leaks is spotting on walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture inside your home. You may also notice ice dams forming on the edge of your roofs. Leaks act quickly during cold temperatures so if you suspect a leak, contact a professional immediately to get it fixed before it causes more damage.

How to prevent these problems

Ice dams

To prevent ice dams from forming the first time, clean your gutters so they can carry off water properly during snowstorms; avoid putting salt on your sidewalks and driveway; scrape off any snow and ice from your roof before it can melt; make sure snow doesn't pile up too close to your house's foundation; caulk any cracks around windows, doors and garage doors.

Torn or missing shingles

• Here are some things that you can do to prevent torn or missing shingles during winter: Ensure that the roof is clean and free from debris. You should also check for any exposed nails and replace them with new ones. Laying a tarpaulin on the roof will prevent snow from accumulating on the roof which might weigh it down.
• Ensure that all vents are cleared off especially if your attic has an HVAC system. Have a structural engineer examine your roof regularly to identify any issues before they turn into a major issue. This will help you save money and time by identifying problems early on.
• Get an estimate on the cost of repairing your roof as soon as possible so that you can plan ahead. It's vital that you carry out regular checks to ensure that there aren't any leaks in your roof.

Mold

Use a dehumidifier during the winter months to help keep the air in your home dry. The temperatures during this time of year are colder and thus more moisture is used in heating the air inside your house. This can cause higher levels of humidity, which can lead to mold growth if left unchecked.

Leaks

You may not see the leaks when it snows, but you will see them in the spring when everything starts to melt. If you have a leak on your roof, then you need to take action now before it becomes too serious. To prevent leaks on roofs during winter, you need to make sure that the roof is well maintained and there are no damaged areas. A good way to do this is by having a professional inspect your roof at least once every year. The roofer will be able to tell you if there are any problems with your roof and whether or not it needs repair. There may also be problems that aren't visible from the ground like damage done by animals or pests. If you have any damaged areas on your roof, then you need to get those fixed as soon as possible. The longer that you wait, the worse the problem will be and the more expensive it will be to fix. It is important that you have these problems taken care of before they turn into leaks on roofs during winter.

Things to remember while you are working on the roof.

1. Check for loose or worn shingles.
2. Check for leaks around the chimney or skylights.
3. Check for leaky flashing and seams where your roof meets the wall.
4. Look for possible problems with gutters and downspouts, like leakage, debris blocking them, or leaves clogging them up.
5. Look over any vents in the attic to make sure they are not blocked by insulation or debris from the roof that has fallen through into the attic below it.
6. Consider having a professional roofing contractor assess your roof for further repairs or replacements before winter sets in again to avoid a more costly repair later on down the line.