When it comes to severe roof damage, you face three primary threats in the winter: wind, water, and ice. And although water and ice are similar, they each present a specific effect on your roof. It’s important to not only be proactive in ensuring your home is prepared for winter weather, but also that you know who to call, should roof damage occur during the upcoming season.

While Texas is already well-known for wind, recent shifts in climate have also seen more snow and ice than ever before, which means that Texans will probably have to pay more attention to ice damage on their roofs than before, too. 

Let’s take a closer look at the three threats to the roof over your head.

Ice Damage

As mentioned, Texans might not be used to lots of ice and snow, but 2021 saw record snowfall and almost arctic conditions, so it’s important to be aware of the potential of damage to your roof from icy conditions, especially when it’s not a common occurrence for Texas residents.

Ice can cause extensive roof damage, and it does so in two ways. 

1. Ice Dams

When interior roof heating is either nonexistent or uneven, or if your roof was installed poorly, snow melts and refreezes, mainly along the roof’s edges in the eaves and gutters. 

This constant melting and refreezing eventually lead to thick and heavy ice dams, which often seriously damage parts of the roof and even cause sections to collapse completely. 

2. Icicles

Another severe winter roof threat is that of icicles. Icicles form from ice dams and hang down precariously from eaves and gutters. 

These icicles are not only dangerous to the structure of the roof and its components, but they can also pose a real threat to humans and pets when falling.

Both icicles and ice dams can do some damage to your roof, gutters, and shingles, and preventative measures are required to mitigate these risks. 

Water Damage

The number one enemy of roofs around the world is water. Roofs are primarily designed to keep water out. Water entering into a home through a leaky roof is a huge problem to both the contents and occupants of the house, but the damage water can do to the roof itself is also concerning. 

Since we’ve already covered ice, the other two water-related issues that can damage your roof include condensation and flashing leaks. 

1. Condensation

When roofs are not maintained well, or there is a problem with ceiling insulation, condensation forms, a slow but steady form of water damage that has serious repercussions. Mould and mildew are formed from condensation, damaging the interior and exterior parts. They also pose a health threat to occupants.

2. Flashing Leaks

Roofs need ventilation, and whether it’s skylights, chimneys, or any other forms of ventilation, these areas must be protected by flashing. Flashing protects open areas from rain, but leaks can occur if it is not installed correctly or maintained regularly. Flashing can also be damaged during storms, but most of the time, the leaks occur through incorrect fitting and neglecting maintenance. 

Wind Damage

Texas is known for its wind; in fact, it’s home to three of the windiest cities in the whole of the country, according to The Weather Station Experts. As such, Texas property owners need to understand the severe threat that strong wind poses to roofing. The damage can be devastating, from blowing shingles clean off to ripping parts or all of the roofing off. 

Flashings are also regularly loosened by violent winds, and ridges and gables also take a beating. The results can be catastrophic when coupled with the obligatory sleet and hail that so often accompanies strong winds. 

Take the necessary precautions and apply due diligence to ensure that the roof over your head remains intact and functional this winter. Contact UPI Roofing today to ensure your roof is prepared for the unpredictable weather that a Texas winter may bring this year.