Ice accumulation on residential homes is all too common during the winter, especially on Midwestern homes. While some people find icicles nice to look at, others find them bothersome. Regardless of how you feel about them, ice accumulation on your home is never a good thing. It means that water is not being allowed to move quickly enough from your roof, which can lead to severe issues if the problem is allowed to persist.
If you have ice buildup on your home, it’s best to have excess snow and ice removed immediately, as ice can damage your home in several different ways.
Roof Damage
Water naturally erodes most materials, and when left to pool on your roof, it can eat away at most types of roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles. It can also cause the shingles on your roof to loosen or come free. While it may not move quickly, water still flows down your roof. When left to freeze, thaw, and refreeze, it can wear away at shingles and cause them to loosen over time.
Ice dams are always an issue, as well. When water cannot escape through your gutters, it will freeze on your roof and put undue pressure on everything below it. If you don’t want to be paying for a roofing replacement, make sure to clear snow and ice from your roof throughout the winter.
Siding Damage
Ice dams, icicles, and general ice buildup on the side of your home can also loosen siding and eventually allow water to seep through seams, cracks, etc. Once water gets under your siding, it can lead to severe siding damage (making siding replacement necessary) and even find its way into the inner parts of your home. If you notice any spots or discoloration on your interior walls, this is a telltale sign that water has gotten underneath your siding.
Gutter Damage
Gutters are one of the most damaged exterior components throughout the winter. This is because snow and ice can easily build up in them and weigh them down. If they are old or not attached properly, your gutters can detach from your home due to the added weight and pressure. It’s important to make sure that your gutters are free from debris, ice, and snow throughout the winter, allowing water to move freely through them when it comes time for the ice and snow on your roof to melt. If left to freeze and build up in your gutters, there can be significant damage that will inevitably lead to necessary gutter replacement.
Foundation Damage
If your gutters become damaged and are not routing water properly away from your home, water can pool around the sides of your foundation. If too much water seeps into the ground and freezes, it can cause the soil around the foundation to expand. This can lead to cracking in your foundation and basement walls (which eventually brings water into your home). Always make sure your gutters are in good shape and are properly preventing water from pooling around the outside of your home.
If you are unable to remove the snow and ice from your home, have a professional come out and help! Contact Schmidt Roofing today for snow and ice removal.
