The cold, winter months are upon us in Chicago and it’s crucial that your roofing can effectively protect and keep you warm during the winter season. As a homeowner, it’s vital to ensure your roofing is adequately prepared and that you have a plan in place to address any winter roof damage. So, what are the most common winter roof problems for Chicago residents and what steps can you take to reduce the damage to your home?
Chicago Roofing: Winter Storm Damage Problems
In the wintertime, the Chicago area is prone to harsh winds, hail storms, heavy snow, blizzards, and ice dams. Knowing information about these types of winter issues can help you stay on top of your roof’s condition and put a plan together in case your home sustains winter storm damage.
Hail Damage
During a hailstorm, your roofing can sustain damage that ranges from dented gutters and roofing to bruised, cracked, or even missing shingles, rust, water damage, and shattered windows. Worst case, hail may even compromise the structural integrity of your home’s foundation.
Heavy Snowfall
It’s a good idea to prepare your Chicago home for heavy snowfall during the winter months. If too much snow accumulates on the top of your residence, the weight can sometimes cause structural issues to your roofing and home.
Harsh Winds & Blizzards
Chicago is no stranger to harsh winds and blizzards during winter. Harsh winds can cause a lot of problems for your roofing, such as loose, cracked, or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or even issues with your chimney. In addition, heavy winds can cause weak tree limbs and branches to fall onto your home and cause damage.
Ice Dams
You should look out for ice dams on your roofing in Chicago. Ice dams are when the snow on your roof is melting slightly, either from your home’s heat or the sun, and then refreezes. The weight of the ice dam on your roof can cause leaks and has the potential to cause costly shingle damage.
Roof Leaks
Lastly, the heavy winter rain can cause your Chicago roof to have issues with leaking and water pooling. A roof leak can hurt your roof’s health and the overall energy efficiency of your home’s insulation. During the winter, your roof will expand and shrink due to temperature fluctuations. In turn, this could cause any leaks in your roof to worsen over time which could cause your roof to leak more and condensation to potentially build up in the attic of your home.
Tips for Preparing Your Chicago Home for Winter
Maintain your gutters: It’s wise to have your gutter system inspected and cleaned so they will efficiently channel water away from your home during the winter months. Make sure that all debris is cleared away so your gutters don’t overflow and cause water damage.
Clear Away branches and tree limbs: Look around your home and see if any tree limbs or weak branches are hanging near your house. Trim any weak branches around your home to prevent them from falling onto your residence during a winter storm.
Upgrade ventilation and insulation: Ensure that your home is properly ventilated and insulated so that the temperature in your home will stay regulated and keep you warm during the cold winter in Chicago.
Prepare an emergency storm damage plan: Gather online resources from your local government to help if you sustain storm damage
Hire Local: Hiring a local roofing company for your roof inspection or storm damage repairs will make all the difference when it comes to receiving thorough and durable roofing solutions.
Next Steps to Prepare Your Home: Jacks Roofing & Siding
Jacks Roofing & Siding is a veteran-run company that has been serving the Chicago area since 2019. AtJacks Roofing & Siding, it is our mission to provide Chicago residents with high-quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and durable roofing solutions. It is important to us that your roofing is done right and with Jacks Roofing & Siding – we nail it every time.
Call us today to receive a free inspection and learn more about the services that we have to offer.
