Top 5 Ways Winter Storms Can Affect Your Roof & Home

It’s no secret that winter weather can take a toll on your roof and the exterior of your home, especially when you live in a region that sees snow, ice, and freezing winds during this time of year. But aside from the most obvious effects of winter storm damage, are you prepared to spot some of the lesser-known risks facing your home this season?

We’ve put together your go-to guide to protecting your home from winter weather, making it easy to be ready for just about anything Mother Nature might throw your way. From taking preventive measures against leaks to dealing with snow damage, we have you covered with everything you need to know for seasonal weather events - including how to navigate the unexpected.

Continue reading to learn more about how winter storms can affect your roof and home, as well as our essential tips for the coldest months of the year.

As the calendar turns to the winter months, many of us are busy with preparations for special seasonal occasions. But in addition to shopping for gifts and decking the halls, there’s another wintertime task that should be at the top of your list: preparing your home to weather winter storms.

Wintertime brings snow, ice, wind, and a constant cycle of freezing and thawing, all of which can wreak havoc on your roof and home’s exterior. This time of year, make sure you’re ready to recognize (and hopefully prevent) the various ways in which winter storms can affect your home:

1.  Flashing leaks

Flashings are the slim strips of metal located along the front, ridges, and corners of your roof, as well as bordering any skylights and/or chimneys you may have. Unfortunately, it is common for flashings to be improperly installed; in other scenarios, they simply wear down over time. When flashing begins to pull away from the roofing material, it will lead to leaks - an issue that is especially common during winter.

What to do: Scheduling twice-yearly roof inspections is the best way to proactively spot and resolve problematic flashing so you don’t end up with leaks and water damage.

2.  Strong winds

In Ohio, roof repairs are often directly related to damage caused by high wind speeds, particularly during winter. Strong winds can gradually loosen your roof’s shingles and even cause larger parts to come off.

What to do: If you ever notice missing shingles, shingles, or roof pieces on the ground, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.

3.   Falling tree limbs

Snow, ice, and wind can cause tree limbs to break and fall on your home, leading to roof damage and other exterior problems. In fact, a tree’s limbs don’t even have to break free to be an issue; if branches are scraping your roof during a storm, they can easily cause harm without you even realizing it.

What to do: Try to stay on top of tree maintenance (no matter what the season), trimming any branches that are within eight feet of your home.

4.   Water damage

Water damage can strike at any time of year, but the freezing rain of winter can be especially problematic. If ice builds up in your home’s gutters, it can prevent the water from draining properly. Then, water can quickly accumulate, getting underneath your roof’s shingles and into your home’s interior structure.

Not only can a few inches of water compromise the integrity of your roof, but the moisture can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew.

What to do: If you suspect water damage, contact a restoration specialist immediately.

5.   Snow damage

Even in years when the snowfall in Ohio is relatively low, plenty of homeowners experience damage caused by snow. Your home is at a higher risk if its roof is flat or does not allow snow to effectively fall down the sides as it melts. The heat emanating from your warm, cozy home will melt snow fairly quickly, creating the potential for water to enter through cracks in the roof.

What to do: Avoid using snow shovels, rock salt, or calcium chloride to clear or melt snow on your roof, as these can lead to accidental damage and even possibly void your roof warranty. Contact a roofing professional for regular inspections to prevent leaks and anytime you see signs of possible snow damage.

Protect Your Home This Winter with Help from the Professionals

Whether your home has already experienced winter storm damage or you’re hoping to stay one step ahead of potential problems, having a professional on your side makes all the difference.

Particularly here in Ohio, wintertime weather can have serious effects on the integrity of your home’s exterior, sometimes causing issues that aren’t necessarily visible. And in many cases, a seemingly small problem can quickly snowball into major damage, leaving your family out in the cold. From roofing installation and repairs to storm damage restoration, Final Touch Construction & Remodeling provides a broad range of services for homeowners throughout the Cleveland area.

For more information about how to prevent winter storm damage, contact Final Touch Construction & Remodeling today. Or, request a free estimate online now!