New England winters are notoriously long and often brutal — accentuated by heavy snowfall, high winds and chilly temperatures. During those winter months, you want to be sure you and your family are warm, comfortable and well-protected, especially at home.
Cedar roofs are popular options for many local homeowners because they’re naturally beautiful and durable, but how well do they hold up in extreme wintry conditions? Cedar shakes and shingles are some of the best roofing materials available and can outperform alternative roofing like asphalt shingles — even during hail storms and extremely high-speed winds.
However, during the winter months, your roof is under more stress than at many other times of the year. This is why cedar roof inspection by an experienced cedar roof contractor is so important before and after the winter months. To avoid the need for cedar roof repair in Westport once warmer weather arrives, it’s important to know what complications can cause issues with your roof.
How Well Do Cedar Roofs Withstand Snow, Sleet and Ice?
When a severe winter storm swirls throughout your neighborhood, your roof is directly hit by harsh and potentially damaging elements like hail, wind, sleet and dense snowfall. While some roofing materials may be severely damaged by the winter weather, your quality cedar roofing was specially designed to perform exceptionally in extreme climates. If you find yourself in a blizzard or intense sleet, you can rest assured that your cedar roofing will stay in pristine condition without suffering extensive damage or wear. Cedar shingles can withstand winds of up to 173 mph and up to 90 pounds per square foot, while cedar shakes offer exceptional durability by being able to withstand winds traveling up to 245 mph and up to 180 pounds per square foot.
When ice falls from the sky, can your cedar roofing really protect your home without succumbing to extensive damage? While vehicles, outdoor furniture and landscaping can be ruined by hail, your cedar roofing is highly impact-resistant with hail up to 2 inches in diameter and traveling up to 71 mph. With marble-sized hail, homeowners can expect only superficial damage to their cedar roof. Light depressions caused by hail will not cause your shakes or shingles to split. Over time, minor damage caused by hail will disappear through natural weathering.
However, like any roofing material, cedar roofs will experience extensive damage, like splitting, with large-sized hail. These problems should be repaired quickly, otherwise shakes and shingles can experience rapid deterioration and eventually form holes that affect the lifespan and durability of your roof.
Properly Preparing Your Cedar Roofing for Winter
Before winter starts, you may be concerned about the quality of your cedar roof and unsure of how it will withstand snow and ice buildup. While severe winter storms are a frightening potential, by properly preparing your cedar roof in advance, you can ensure it will remain durable and reliable throughout any climate. As winter approaches, call your trustworthy local cedar roofing maintenance company to thoroughly inspect your roof or perform these cold weather preparation tasks to keep your roof in quality condition:
Inspect cedar shakes and shingles: Look over all your cedar shingles and shakes, checking for any damage like curling or cracking, and securely fasten any loose materials that could blow off during a storm.
Check flashing, vents and decks: These parts are essential for allowing proper roof drainage, and over time, they can become loose and allow leaks.
Clean out gutters: Debris buildup in your gutters is not only unattractive, but it can also prevent proper drainage during snowmelt and can cause ice dams and other issues.
Clear any debris: Inspect your roof valleys and clear out any leaves and branches that have collected and may allow snow to pile up and leak water into your home.
Look over attic ventilation: Keep your attic ventilation clear to ensure proper air circulation, which will prevent excessive snow and ice buildup on your roof.
To ensure your roof stays in good condition during the winter months, ask your local roofing professional about installing a new snow guard. Snow guards are a great tool for catching snowfall, as well as preventing damage to your roof and personal injury.
Common Winter Complications for Cedar Roofs
Ice Dams
One of the biggest problems homeowners experience when they don’t take good care of their cedar roofing during the winter months is ice dams. When there is a lot of snowfall, the snow on your roof can begin to melt because of the heat that may escape through your roof. The water will then run into the gutters and refreeze when it hits the cold air, causing extra stress on your gutters and cedar shingles. The best way to prevent this issue is to remove snow any time it builds up on your roof.
Icicles
Similar to ice dams, icicles can cause stress on your roof that will lead to the need for cedar roof repair. The larger these icicles become, the more damage can occur to your roof or gutters. In addition to these issues, icicles can pose a hazard to people and pets. If one of these falls onto anyone passing underneath, it can cause serious injury or even death. Keeping your gutters clear can keep these icicles from developing.
Condensation
During your cedar roof inspection, it’s important to watch out for signs of condensation. Without good insulation, the cold air outside and the warm air inside can clash, causing moisture to develop on your roof. This condensation can lead to rot and a number of other problems. A cedar roof contractor in Westchester County can help you identify this issue and help you determine the right amount and type of insulation to avoid this problem.
Hiring a cedar roof contractor in Westport for a cedar roof inspection can help you identify common winter roofing complications. However, it’s best to avoid these problems before they begin. When you don’t take good care of your cedar roof, it won’t last as long as it should, requiring the need for cedar roof repair in Westport or even a full replacement.
If you’re looking for help with your cedar roofing, contact us. We can help you repair any damage that occurs as a result of these winter complications.
Call Cedar Roof Coatings Today for Quality Winter Weather Roofing Repair and Maintenance
For over 35 years, Cedar Roof Coatings has been the most trusted and knowledgeable cedar roofing company serving homeowners throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Westchester County, New York. We’re a family-owned and operated company, and our team of highly skilled and trained experts specializes in the preservation, restoration and maintenance of cedar roofing. We guarantee your cedar roofing will look pristine and properly protect your family throughout any winter weather conditions.
Schedule winter weather roofing maintenance services today by calling us at 203-847-5740, or complete our online contact form to request a free service estimate.