During the winter months, your shingled roof is subjected to snow, ice, and rapid temperature changes that cause melting and freezing. Since your roof may be covered most of the time, it can be difficult to ascertain whether or not the shingles or the underlying plywood has sustained damage. Once winter comes to an end and the snow melts, however, check your roof for the following problems that may have occurred over the season.

1.  Missing or Damaged Shingles

One problem you should be on the lookout for when examining your roof is missing or damaged shingles. You can look for these either by standing on a ladder or using a pair of binoculars while in your yard.

Missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged shingles are caused by the rapid freezing and thawing of snow and ice on the roof. As the snow melts, the water it creates can settle around the shingles. When temperatures fall during the night, the water freezes, and the expansion of the ice can put pressure on the shingles and can either cause them to break or even lift up and come off of the roof.

2.  Bowing Areas Indicating Underlayment Damage

Another problem to look for is bowing areas on the roof that could indicate that the underlayment has been damaged. Underneath the shingles, pieces of plywood serve as supporting structures to give your roof its shape and give the shingles something to attach to.

Because snow and ice are extremely heavy, especially in large amounts, the weight combined with the extra moisture can cause the plywood to bow under. Not only can this make the shingles shift and become loose, but it also increases the chances that gaps will form so that water travels underneath the shingles.

Since the plywood is bowed, the surface fibers may splinter, and the water can easily saturate the wood. This can lead to rotting and rapid deterioration of the underlayment.

Since winter weather can be hard on your roof, doing your own preliminary inspection can help you assess whether or not the roof needs repairing or even replacing before the rainy weather of spring hits. If you even suspect that your roof has sustained damage during the winter months, contact a roofer so that they can perform a more detailed inspection to pinpoint problem areas as well as discuss the next course of action.

For more information, contact a roofing company like Thompson & Thompson 3rd Generation Roofing, Inc.