Frigid winter weather can take its toll on your roof in a number of ways, and the damage caused by hail, ice and snow is often easy to miss. By the time most homeowners notice leaks in their roof, the damage had already affected other parts of their exterior. That’s why it’s important to know how hail, ice and snow can damage your roof. 
The roof repair experts at Sterling Exteriors elaborate more on how frigid weather can damage your roof and share tips on how you can prevent damage below.
Impact From Hailstones
Impact from hail can crack shingles, creating gaps through which water and melted snow can infiltrate your roof. At other times, the impact can force the bottom of the shingle to bend, damaging the shingle’s base while leaving its surface relatively intact. The shingle’s bent bottom then becomes a weak point, which can drastically shorten your roof’s lifespan.
The only way to make sure your roof–as well as other parts of your exterior like the siding–doesn’t suffer any leaks from hail damage is to have a contractor inspect it after a hail storm.
Thermal Shock From Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Abrupt changes in temperatures can also cause the surface of your shingles to split. Shingles expand as temperatures rise and contract as the mercury drops, but if the change in temperature is too abrupt, the resulting thermal shock can force open cracks in a shingle’s surface.
Combined Weight of Accumulated Snow
Snow might seem relatively harmless in small amounts, but if too much snow accumulates on your roof, the added weight load can cause sections of your roof to sag. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of roof damage by having an experienced contractor inspect your roof before winter and make sure your roof is in good condition and ready to handle the cold.
Looking for Experienced Contractors in Your Area?
Sterling Exteriors, a GAF®-certified contractor with more than a decade’s worth of experience, offers roofing and outdoor living services. To get a free quote, call us at (513) 685-8055 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Milford, Newtown, and Anderson Township, OH, as well as surrounding areas.