Winter weather in Tennessee can bring snowball fights, snowmen, and cozy days at home with snow falling peacefully. But, it can also cause a major impact on your home’s roof, from leaks to roof stress to ice dams. Fortunately, many of these weather-related issues can be prevented with the proper maintenance from reputable roofing companies, like Austermiller Roofing in Nashville, TN.
When those colder, winter months arrive, you want your roof to be ready for whatever the chilly months bring. Read on to understand how winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to major damage to your home.
Common Winter Weather That Can Impact Roofs in Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is no stranger to winter months that bring snowstorms, ice, and sleet. Most recently Nashville received 7.6 inches of snow in January of 2024, but the temperature stayed below freezing for a few days following snowfall leading to drizzles of freezing rain. Beyond snow, ice storms can also occur in the middle Tennessee area. Notably, the ice storm of 1994 brought Nashville sleet and ice which caused major power outages and no heat for a majority of Nashvillians. It is also typical for the Nashville area to experience lighter snow storms, freezing rain, and below freezing temperatures in the winter months.
Snow, ice, sleet can not only impact power lines or roads, but can create further damage to your home’s roof. Sometimes these impacts can worsen over time, and before you know it, you may be left with the need to replace your roof completely due to severe winter weather.
Let’s take a closer look at how winter weather can bring damage to your residential roof.
What Damage Winter Weather Can Bring to Your Residential Roof
Not all winter storms, or winter weather, will impact your roof in damaging ways. If it’s a light snow fall, you most likely will not see any major damage to your roof. However, if a serious snowstorm or ice storm occurs it can lead to issues with your roof, and those pretty icicles can often signal something major.
Ice Dams
Ice dams normally occur when snow accumulates on a roof, then melts downwards towards the edges of the roof, and refreezes. This snow refreezes due to colder temperature on the edges of the roof. Because of the build up of ice on the edge of the roof, it can create an obstacle in the gutters that impede additional water on the roof from falling off. If water can’t properly run off the roof then you may experience:
- Water damage to the roof
- Mold from water on the roof sitting for too long
- Drywall issues if water leaks further into the walls
- Weaken the effect of insulation in the home
- Icicles hanging off the roof with a thick base, running along the edges of your roof
These damages can add up over time financially if not taken care of sooner rather than later. Think of it as a domino effect: if your roof already has some minor damage from severe winter weather, then more winter storms can make the damage even worse.
Leaks
Leaks on your roof from a winter storm are usually brought on due to ice dams, as described above. This occurs because the built up water on the roof will seep beneath the shingles, causing leaks into the roof and eventually ceiling. If a severe snow storm or ice storm comes through your area, and you notice water spots on your ceiling, or water leaking, it most likely means there has been damage to your roof.
It is also beneficial to check out your attic for any damage if you are not seeing any water spots on your ceiling. Your attic may be where most of the damage is visible, such as leaking, damage to the insulation, or mold growth. It can be good practice to check your ceiling or attic after a winter storm to look for damage if you are not able to safely access the roof.
Roof Stress
Not only can snow or ice build up on a roof lead to ice dams or leaks, but it can also lead to additional stress on the structure of the roof. Extreme cold weather can also impact the integrity of shingles, making them more brittle. If your roof experiences too much weight, or stress, on it this can cause:
- Roof to appear saggy
- Cracked, damaged, or curled shingles
- Indoor water damage from leakage on the roof
Most of the signs from intense roof stress can be seen outside, but it’s best to have a skilled roofer inspect your roof for signs of damage.
Ways to Prevent Winter Weather Damage for Your Residential Roof
While these particular damages are commonly associated with winter weather, they can still be prevented with proper treatment and inspection of your roof. Here are some ways to prevent winter weather damage for your home’s roof:
Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters should be top of your yearly maintenance list for your roof. Gutters are attached on the edges of your home’s roof to help rainwater flow down and away from your home’s foundation. Gutters should never be filled with leaves or debris, as this will prevent water from flowing out properly, causing water build up that can impact your roof and eventually the foundation of your home. Clogged gutters not only lead to a damaged roof, but can increase the likelihood of ice dams when those snow storms do arrive.
The best time to clean your gutters is typically at the end of fall, once all the leaves have fallen, or early spring, to prepare for those spring showers. It’s best to leave gutter cleaning to the professionals, as they have the proper equipment to safely access your gutters and remove debris accordingly.
Roof Inspections
On top of your bi-annual gutter cleaning, you can also include a proper roof inspection at that time too. With a roof inspection, a professional roofer can inspect your roof for any signs of damage that you may not be aware of. With a roof inspection, you will have the insight as to how you can prepare for winter months roof-wise. A roofer will be able to determine if your roof is in need of a repair or replacement before it’s too late. The best time for roof inspections are late fall and early spring, around the same time you should clean your gutters!
Attic Insulation
If you do have an attic, be sure to check it out yearly for any signs of poor insulation, if you can safely access it. A home inspector can also check out the integrity of your attic’s insulation if it is not safe for you to do so. Typically the signs of poor attic insulation range from issues with your home’s temperature to a sense of “draftiness” in your home to a higher energy bill! If you also notice any water damage in your attic, this most likely is from damage to the roof. For any of these issues, contact your roofer so that they can confirm it is indeed coming from the roof. From there, they can help you determine the right steps to take to prepare your home for those winter months.
A Roofer You Can Rely On
You won’t be able to properly maintain the integrity of your roof if you do not have a roofer you can fully trust. In the same way you have an electrician, plumber, and car mechanic you can rely on, the same should be said of a roofer. Having a roofer who is knowledgeable and trustworthy can make all the difference between catching signs of damage to your roof sooner than later. And at Austermiller, our goal is to keep our clients in the know regarding the quality of their roof, and keeping them in the loop of any possible damages.
When is the Best Time to Replace a Roof for Winter Weather Protection?
If you know you need to replace your roof for winter weather protection, the best time to do so is in the fall. The temperature in the fall is ideal for roof installation as the shingles can adhere properly to your roof, preparing you with a quality and strong roof come cold weather or snow.
Winter Weather Roof Protection from Austermiller Roofing in Nashville, TN
Everyone needs a quality, residential roofer to have for roof inspections and cleaning. At Austermiller, we provide quality service for those needing roof inspections, repair, or replacement. See it for yourself by scheduling a free consultation of your roof! Be ahead of severe winter weather by ensuring your home’s roof is ready to withstand snowstorms with days spent in the comfort of your home.
Proudly serving the greater Nashville area for over 30 years, we would be honored to serve you and keep your home winter ready. Contact us today, and be sure to learn more about our mission and team at our website. We look forward to working with you!