Recovering After a Winter Storm
The weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable, but one thing we can predict is that at some point during the winter, there’s a chance we’ll get some pretty intense snow.
As winter weather bears down on your home, it can expose every vulnerability in your roof, siding, and windows. At Powers Premier Contracting, our storm damage restoration contractors can restore your home and erase the damage done by wild winter weather.
In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common types of winter storm damage. Give us a call to schedule your winter home exterior repairs today.
When Winter Weather Strikes
Thanks to our northern location and our beautiful Minnesota lakes, we experience the whole gamut of winter weather in the seven-county area. Heavy snowfalls can be bad enough, but when heavy snow combines with strong winds to create blizzard conditions, your home’s exterior gets put to the test.
Ice storms cause their own set of problems, downing power lines and tree branches alike. But if your home isn’t well sealed, it doesn’t take a downed power line to damage your home.
Any vulnerabilities in your roof or windows can end up as points of moisture and air infiltration, and when water gets into your home, the damage accumulates. That’s why it’s important to address any winter storm damage right away.
Wind Damage
Winds in excess of 50 miles an hour can be incredibly damaging. Straight-line winds and wind damage are common with winter storms.
Hail Damage
Hailstones larger than an inch in diameter can rip away shingles and granules and damage windows.
Water Damage
Any amount of moisture that gets into your home can damage your walls and structure. Water can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to the health of your home’s occupants.
Snow Damage
A heavy amount of snow can cause destructive ice dams which can in turn cause a variety of problems inside and out, not to mention excessive heavy weight on a vulnerable or subpar roof could possibly cause a roof collapse.
Inspecting Your Home
Roof damage is common after winter storms even if there is no visible moisture inside your home. After the storm has passed, you’ll need to have your home inspected by professional storm repair contractors. Experienced exterior contractors have the equipment and skills to safely assess the condition of your roof.
These are the most common signs of roof damage after a winter storm.
Debris on Your Lawn
Take a walk around your yard after you’re sure it’s safe. Any sign of debris due to high winds is a sign that excess winds may have caused impact damage to your roof, windows, and siding.
Missing Granules
Although some granule loss is natural with normal roof weathering over time, any significant granule loss can weaken your roof’s resistance to the elements. Hail and debris can cause granules to become loosened. Missing granules may also be a sign of more serious structural issues.
Missing Shingles
When high winds impact your roof, you can end up with missing shingles. Peeling and cracked shingles are especially vulnerable to getting ripped off when impacted by strong winds.
Moisture Damage
If you can see water coming into your home after a storm, you need to have your roof repaired immediately. A damaged roof makes it easier for water to leak through the ceiling and into your attic or upstairs living space.
Look for any water spots or stains in the ceiling,the walls (the drywall), and even the window frames. Moisture damage can cause structural issues, create dangerous mold, and deteriorate other framework materials.
Damaged Gutters
Frozen water and ice dams can be devastating to your gutter system. In turn, a damaged gutter system fails to adequately move water away from your home, causing it to back up onto your roof or collect near your foundation.
Broken joints are a common type of gutter damage after a storm.
Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when the heat from inside your home causes snow on your roof to melt and refreeze at the edge of your roof, creating a natural dam. When this happens, water is unable to drain correctly and can seep into your roof and attic.
If you notice ice dams after a winter storm, it’s a good idea to have your attic insulation upgraded so it can better withstand winter weather.
Looking for more preventive measures to avoid an ice dam? Check out these prevention tips in our recent blog, as well as our sensible tips on how to fix an ice dam here. We always stress the importance of safety when dealing with dismantling an ice dam.
Don’t Risk Putting Off Repairs
Some of the worst winter storm damage occurs not immediately after the storm but down the road as a long-term result of minor damage. When damaged areas on your roof allow moisture due to meltwater, rain, or snow into your home, you can end up having to deal with structural collapse or mold rehabilitation.
Minor roof damage can also compromise your roof’s structural integrity, leading to roof collapse during a heavy snow in the future.
On the other hand, taking preventative steps to keep your roof, windows, and siding in good condition can pay off in more ways than one. Not only will your home be more capable of withstanding the next big storm, but it can also add up in terms of savings on your energy bills.
Need Help with Your Insurance Claim?
Don’t let the stress of the after effects of a storm get you down. At Powers Premier Contracting, not only do we provide prompt and efficient storm restoration services, we offer assistance with your insurance claim and assure there’s always honest and transparent communication throughout the process.
It’s always a good practice to know what’s included in your homeowner’s policy and have the phone number handy on your smart phone directory.
Contact a Twin Cities Roofing Contractor
If you’re in need of roof repairs for your Minnetonka or Twin Cities home, give us a call today.
Connect with our exterior remodeling contractors at 612-710-7283, or contact us online and get your completely free estimate. We look forward to serving your home!