How Snow Can Damage Your Home

The approach of winter brings with it the promise of a beautiful Winterland and hours of invigorating snow play; however, as beautiful as the snow is to gaze at and get lost in, it can present various problems for your home if left unattended. In fact, there are various ways that snow can damage your home, including:

Roof Damage

Persistent or heavy snowfall can accumulate several inches of snow on your roof, which can cause your roof to become weighted. In fact, you witness this weight yourself each time you shovel the snow. If left unattended, the weight of the snow can cause your roof to collapse if it is not sturdy enough. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you promptly remove the snow from your roof following each snowfall in order to prevent roof damage.

Structural Damage

As snow melts, it creates a large amount of water, which requires proper drainage in order to remove. Clogged gutters can hinder proper drainage, which can lead to water build-up. When this occurs, it allows water to accumulate on your roof and in your gutters, which can then saturate the ceiling and other structures and cause them to warp, split or crack. It can also seep into slates, tiles, fixtures and other gaps and cause condensation inside your home.

Gutter Damage

Through the seasons your gutters collect their share of debris, which if left unattended can present various issues during the winter. When your gutters are clogged, it prevents melting snow from properly draining, which in turn allows packed snow and water to build up in your gutters and down spouts that can freeze and split or crack your gutters and pipes and lead to costly repairs. Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis helps prevent water build-up, which can help preserve your home during the winter.

Siding Damage

Siding protects your home from damage, mildew and mold, and helps keeps your home cozy during the colder months. However, if snow gets behind the siding, it can dampen the wood, which can cause bowing in your ceiling, walls and floors. Keeping your gutters properly cleaned and promptly removing snow and ice after each snowfall can help preserve your siding as well as your home.

Professional roofing, gutter and siding service and repair by Landmark Exteriors can help protect your home, so you can enjoy the joy of winter as it was meant to be.