The First Signs of Roof Damage Due to Ice Build Up

The winter has been brutal this year, with the temperatures plunging to single digits and beyond. Several people stayed in their homes instead of heading out and braving the winter. But your roof had no choice but to endure it. Winter is always hard on the roof and can cause several problems. You need to keep an eye on the roof to ensure that it’s not damaged.

There are several signs that show that your roof is damaged by ice build-up. When you spot them, you need to act immediately to ensure that the problem doesn’t escalate and lead to increased expenses. If the damage is too extensive, you might need to get a roof replacement done. Here’s what you need to look out for.

• Water Damage: Water damage is one of the first signs that the roof is experiencing problems. This sign is the first to show up, and at this stage the damage to your roof is preventable to an extent. Water damage indicates that your roof isn’t draining well, the attic isn’t insulated properly, and melted snow is forming ice dams. You should address this problem immediately to avoid further damage.
• Darkened Areas on the Roof: If you have patches or dark spots on your roof, it’s an indication that there was standing water on it at some point during the winter. The darkened area shows that the seal on the shingles might have been eroded by the ice formation and water. You need to get a professional to check the extent of the damage and see if you need to get a roof replacement done. If the damage can be addressed by just changing a few shingles, you’re should consider doing that as quickly as possible.
• Granules in the Gutter Water: The presence of granules in the gutter water is the first indication that something is wrong with the shingles. This is a sign that the formation of ice damaged the shingle surface and caused the problem. If a large portion of the roof has sustained shingle damage, you might need to get a roof replacement done. The presence of granules in the gutter means that you have no other choice but to replace the shingles. The damage has already been done.
• Cracked Shingles: If you notice that your shingles are cracked after you’ve cleared the roof of snow, you know that your roof has sustained heavy ice damage. This is also an indication that the roof needed to be replaced well before the winter started. A single winter can’t cause enough damage to the shingles or erode the seal on them to such an extent. If your roof was already old and the shingles were already showing signs of damage, cracked shingles were inevitable.

These are usually the most glaring signs that your roof has endured ice damage. You might also see missing shingles or curling shingles. These are the signs of hailstorms or lack of proper insulation in the attic. If the roof damage is too extensive, you will need to get a roof replacement done.