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stevemeyer wrote:

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Summer is the busy season for roofers. There’s no better time to install or repair a roof than when the weather is mild. Unfortunately, roofing emergencies still pop up throughout the winter as well. In fact many roofing problems that went unnoticed through the summer are discovered when the winter weather hits. Even in areas that don’t experience snow in the winter, the increase in heavy rain and strong winds can still take its toll. Here are some tips for tackling these winter roofing woes.

Preventing winter roof damage
It is always better to prevent damage than to try and repair it. The best thing you can do to avoid having issues with your roof during the winter is to regularly inspect and maintain it. Roofing experts recommend inspecting your roof twice a year, once before the winter hits and again after the winter weather has passed. The first prepares your roof for harsh weather and the second assesses the damage.

When inspecting your roof, there are a few things you want to look out for. The first is any damaged or missing shingles. Any issues with shingles could lead to leaks in your roof. This is an especially big problem in winter as the water that gets under the shingles can freeze and expand causing even more damage to your roof. You will also want to inspect your rain gutters. If they are blocked by debris water can get backed up on your roof and freeze. This can force water under the shingles or cause your rain gutters to pull loose from your home.

If you do find any damage on your roof, you’ll want to have a roofing company come out and repair it as soon as possible. They can repair or replace damaged shingles, secure your rain gutters and repair any other issues. Finally, they can make sure your roof and rain gutters are free of any debris.

Worst case scenario
While it is ideal to prevent damage before it occurs, it doesn’t always work out that way. If you still experience problems with your roof in the winter, don’t assume that the repairs will have to wait till spring. Roofers can come out in winter. If they can’t come out immediately, you can place a tarp over the trouble spot to temporarily keep water out.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source:
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 +1 to that! Always at least try to protect any leaking roof, before more damage is done.

I inspected a roof two years ago and found two large holes near the gutter line above the soffits. An animal, perhaps a racoon, literally clawed and chewed through the asphalt tiles and through the plywood and was living in the soffits!

Good points Brian, roof ventilation is another one I have come across a few house where they sprayed the blow in insulation right into the vented soffit blocking the air flow in the roof causing condensation and black mold and also ice damming, the roof needs to breath even in the winter time.  

Winter roof repair tips

Flat Roofs

There are pretty much only two flat roof systems that can be properly installed in the winter – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin). These thermoplastic single ply flat roofing products are mechanically installed and seams are hot air welded instead of using adhesives.

Rubber roofs, the alternative to these systems, should not be installed in temperatures below 40 degrees because the adhesives that seal it will freeze and not bond. Contractors who say they can and will conduct rubber roof projects are ignoring manufacturer suggestions and proceeding with this project can result in roof leaks and voided warranties. So, it’s a good idea to hold off on rubber roofs until it gets a bit warmer. The same goes for peel-and-stick materials, as adhesives won’t bond, creating leaks. This material can actually blow off your roof.

Sloped Roofs

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used material for sloped roofs and can be installed in the winter, but caution must be taken by roofers installing it. They must be careful not to bend and crack the shingle. Also, because asphalt shingles are dependent on a proper seal between the overlapping shingles, which requires heat from the sun to bond, these materials often do not seal properly until warm weather rolls around. This can cause them to blow off or leak. Although our temperatures are mild in the Northwest, asphalt shingles are also susceptible to ice dams – large ice formations along the eaves of roofs caused by poor ventilation or inadequate insulation in the attic. Ice and water shield membrane is a great method to prevent ice dam leaks, but it also requires the sun’s heat to properly adhere to the roof deck, so some of the same shortcomings may apply.

Metal roofs, however, can be installed in the winter without compromising quality. Cold conditions do not affect metal roofs since they won’t crack due to improper handling. They are designed to allow for expansion and contraction, so the outside temperatures won’t make a difference. Just be sure to use a premium breathable synthetic underlayment to combat moisture caused by poor ventilation and always upgrade intake and output ventilation whenever possible.

With all that said, roofing projects in any season should be discussed at length with a trusted contractor to prevent common issues and the premature failure of your roof.

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