Winter is almost here, and with it comes a number of issues for your residential or commercial roof installation. In this post, Exterior Building Solutions discusses the four most common roofing problems you can encounter in winter and how you should address them.

1. Ice Dams

These occur on commercial and residential roofs alike. They form because of irregular roof ventilation and temperature. They could also lead to serious water damage or leaks. To combat the formation of ice dams, keep a close eye on your ventilation system and upgrade your insulation.

2. Condensation

This is one of the leading causes of roof deterioration. Condensation allows mold to develop on affected areas, such as the roof surface. While mold and blue-green algae don’t physically damage the roof, they’re still an eyesore, especially to guests. Like ice dams, they can be prevented with the right ventilation system and insulation.

3. Damaged Flashing

The flashing system protects vulnerable roof components from rainwater, placed where two planes of the roof intersect, creating a seam that’s susceptible to leaks. They are installed around chimneys, external AC units and vents. The good news is, you can have your roofing contractors reinforce them with extra fasteners for an airtight seal.

4. Icicles

Icicles are a much bigger problem than ice dams. They become extremely heavy when they form on downspouts or gutters, and place pressure points on the roof, which could eventually lead to a collapse. They are a hazard to both your roofing system and the people around it.

Exterior Building Solutions offers a wide range of services, such as new roof installation, gutter repairs and residential roofing service. You can talk to us at (314) 470-8783 for more information. You can also fill out our contact form to receive a free project assessment. We serve residents of St Louis, MO, and other areas.