Even if you appreciate a wintry wonderland, the roof on your Tulsa, OK, isn’t the place to showcase the white, powdery substance. Knowing how important the top structure of your home is, it’s also vital to keep in mind that snow and freezing temperatures can cause damage.
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The Impact of Winter Weather

There are three main ways that below-freezing moisture accumulation affects the home:
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Stress: Snow and ice are heavy. The longer it sits, the more stress that is being put on the structure. As it thaws, check for signs of dips and valleys to ensure a cave-in isn’t in your future.
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Dams: During heavy storms, excessive accumulation may lead to the formation of a dam. This is when there is melt-off that freezes on edges. Once they form, it means there isn’t proper drainage happens, as well as possible moisture accumulation under shingles and flashings.
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Freeze and Thaw Cycle: As the sun pops out, some of that moisture melts. As the sun sets, it refreezes. That cycle may lead to the formation of cracks, or the moisture simply finding that tiny crack that was already there.

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Prevention Tips

When it comes to your roof, maintenance and preventive measures are key to ensuring it works as it should. Below are three easy ways to stay top of protecting your home.

1. Along with after a storm, inspect the structure twice a year. Look for any signs of water damage and locate the source of the problem. Consult a professional roofing contractor if the source is hard to find or difficult to repair.

2. Roofs need to be clean of debris. Any added materials, such as branches or twigs, may mean damage is happening even in the warmer months.

3. At the first signs of missing shingles or flashing flapping in the breeze, get it fixed fast. Small repairs go a long way in keeping your home protected.

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Winter weather can be hard on your home’s roof. Understanding the damage and taking year-round steps to keep it maintained are essential to avoiding icy trouble.