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The weather in Atlanta, GA is relatively mild throughout the winter season. However, the temperatures can dip close to freezing overnight, which can have consequences for your roof. It’s also not unheard of to have freezing rain or other winter weather events that might result in hidden or apparent roof damage.
How Cold Temperatures Affect Shingles
During the winter season, you could see relatively large temperature swings as day turns to night. This provides ample opportunity for an asphalt shingle roof to expand and contract in response to those temperature changes. Over time, a shingle could become brittle and lose its ability to protect the home against the elements. In some cases, a damaged shingle will shrink and cause parts of the underdeck to become exposed.
Even moderate wind gusts could blow damaged shingles off the roof entirely. Exposed decking could then be vulnerable to water, pest and other forms of damage, and if left unchecked, you might experience a roof leak or other problems inside the house itself.
Watch Out for Condensation
There is often a significant difference between the temperature inside the home and the temperature outdoors. This can result in condensation in the attic that can spread to the underside of the roof. Exposure to that condensation can result in significant damage to the structure over several years.
One way to reduce the risk of moisture in the attic is to add insulation. Doing so can help to regulate the temperature in that space by keeping warm air in and cool air out. You may also want to add extra ventilation to ensure that the air doesn’t get stagnant, which can increase humidity levels. It may be a good idea to consider adding insulation to the roof itself to make it more resistant to condensation.
If You Hear Popping or Cracking Noises
As the weather changes, you may hear cracking or popping noises coming from the roof. In most cases, this is simply a result of wood or other materials expanding and contracting and is nothing to worry about. However, it may also indicate excess wear and tear on the structure, and you should consider scheduling a roof inspection to rule out any serious problems.
Signs of Roof Damage
In addition to shingles flying off of the roof, you may notice that there is mold, mildew or algae growing on shingles or the underdeck. This indicates the presence of moisture that might be seeping into the house and needs to be remediated immediately.
You may also notice that the roof is sagging or an interior ceiling is starting to sag. Bulges near skylights or similar items might also indicate that the roof is leaking. You might also see mold, mildew or stains on interior ceilings or walls, and there is also a possibility that you’ll smell mold or mildew coming from the attic.
Snow or Ice May Linger
Even if it doesn’t cause lasting damage, cold weather could result in ice or snow lingering on the roof. Although Atlanta doesn’t get a lot of snow, it does get about five inches of rain during December and January. Therefore, if the temperatures drop far enough, you might experience a cycle of freezing and thawing.
If you notice that ice or snow melts unevenly, you might have poor insulation or other issues to address quickly. The abnormal accumulation of snow and ice might also add weight to the structure, which could cause an older roof to sag or collapse. In extreme cases, water can freeze in the gutter and cause an ice dam. An ice dam could cause water to flow back into the house, and it could also cause gutters to come loose or even fall off of the house.
If you need roof inspection or maintenance services to keep your roof strong all winter, contact the team at Atlanta Premier Roofing today. We can also help with roof replacement, restoration or coating projects, and our team is capable of working on slate, TPO and flat roofs in addition to homes that have traditional shingles.
