In the Chicago area, winter weather is often harsh. We remove snow from the roads and our cars, but what about our homes? Did you know snow and ice buildup on your roof can lead to significant damage? Here is what you need to know about how to identify whether your roof has been damaged by snow or ice.

The Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Over time, small holes and gaps tend to develop in your shingles. When the weather is warm, water seeps into these holes and gaps. Then, when winter comes, that water can freeze and expand, causing the hole to become larger. The more times this happens, the more water is able to seep through the shingles and possibly create water leaks in your attic space.
Mold and Mildew
With water infiltrating your roof, mold and mildew growth might occur. Mold and mildew often give off an unpleasant smell that you may notice. If you do notice a weird smell in your home, you might want to check on your attic space and check for mold and mildew growth coming from your roof.
Snow
Chicago winters have been featuring mass amounts of snowfall lately, and it is important to recognize that heavy snow can lead to damage to your roof and shingles. The weight of several inches of snow on your roof strains the structure itself. Snow also eventually melts, leading to mass amounts of water available to seep into those holes and gaps in your shingles. Having a lot of snow on your roof can also lead to ice dams, which can cause extensive damage to your shingles.
The best way to avoid snow damage to your roof is by using a roof rake to remove as much snow as you can and ensuring proper ventilation in your attic space. It is very important that you do not attempt to get on top of your roof in these situations as the roof’s structural integrity is already being strained by the snow. If you notice sagging, creaking, or cracking of your ceiling or in your attic space, contact a professional roofer immediately to avoid a roof collapse.
Ice Dams
Have you ever noticed large icicles hanging from your gutters or roof? This is often the result of an ice dam. Ice dams form when melted snow freezes in colder temperatures and blocks other melting snow from rolling off the roof. In these cases, water pools up behind the dam and can seep under your shingles, leading to water leaks and damage to your current shingles.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure your gutters are clean before snowfall and remove as much snow as possible from your roof with a roof rake.
Water Spots on Your Ceiling
If you are noticing water spots on your ceiling inside your home or attic space, it is a clear indicator that there may be a leak in your roof. This water infiltration can lead to mold and mildew growth and weaken the structural integrity of your roof and ceiling. If you are noticing water spots on your ceiling or attic space, contact a professional roofer as soon as possible to address the issue.
Hire An Experienced Roofer in the Chicagoland Area
If you have noticed ice dams forming, damaged shingles, or water leaks after a heavy snow or ice storm in Chicago or the Chicagoland area, Velazquez Roofing is here to help! An experienced team of roofers will assess the damage to your roof and provide you with a free quote before any roof repair or replacement is done. Our team of professional roofers will work quickly to get your roof looking and performing like new! If you have experienced roof damage due to snow and ice in the Beverly, Oak Forest, Chicago Ridge, Blue Island, Bridgeview, or Oak Lawn areas, contact us today for a free estimate!
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