Many of us generally consider melting snow to be a positive thing, leading to safety on the roads and in our everyday lives. That notion when applied to your rooftop is not as black and white.
The winter months will generally give you many indications of the structural integrity of your roof. When snow begins to melt on your roof check your surroundings. Ask yourself, is the snow laying on the street melting as well? On my car? Most importantly, on my neighbors roofs? If your roof is ahead of the game compared to your neighbors and snow lying on other objects, that is a tell-tale sign that not all is well with your rooftop. The reason for this being problematic is that an abnormal amount of heat being expelled from your home through the roof is a sign of damage or imperfection that would very well lead to further problems for you.
Now that we have covered what to look for and why, let's discuss some common problems that can be causing heat discharge from your home.
Missing shingles - Shingles missing from your roof can lead to heat being dissipated, leading to higher electrical bills, and most importantly can further structural damage by allowed the elements in to your home.
Roof Decking Damage - Your decking is laid underneath your shingles or metal roofing to provide another layer of protection under the exposed area of your roof. A roof with no decking will provide minimal protection, and will allow leaks to enter your home.
Poor Insulation - A poorly insulated home will lead to an abnormal level of heat coming from your home as it seeps through the areas with limited insulation, also leading to much higher electrical bills as your home's temperature is constantly being offset by the exterior temperature.
Poor Sealing and Flashing - Snow melting quickly around chimneys, or vents indicates a lack of proper sealing was done, or it has been damaged.
Failure to observe and fix these issues could very well lead to ice dams, causing leaking in your home. Observing these issues and taking care of them after snowfall could save you plenty of hassle and money in the future. However, if you are at all concerned with the condition of your roof, have it inspected before the elements have a chance to take a toll on it. Please contact us if you're concerned about any structural issues in your home. And check out our blog on Prepping Your Home For Winter for more information on the topic.