It rarely snows in Texas. Newsweek reports that it has only snowed 35 times in Houston since 1895. As such, residents might not be ready for the damage that the natural phenomenon could inflict upon their houses.

Harsh winter elements like snowfall and strong chilly winds damage the home without the residents knowing it. SPC Construction & Roofing urges homeowners to conduct a post-winter roof inspection on your property. Once you determine if you need roof repair services, you can act before the damage worsens and prevent a hefty restoration bill down the road.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Damaged Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are one of the outermost protective layers of the roof. Once they’re damaged, water, ice, and other debris can seep into the roof, cause leaks, and compromise the roof’s structural integrity.

So, check for curling, clawing, or buckling shingles; they are highly susceptible to wind and ice damage. Missing or broken shingles are even bigger problems, as they enlarge the space where water and ice can enter.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are the walls of ice that form on the edge of the roof, typically at the gutters or the soffit. These are more common among houses that have poor ventilation, excessive warm air in the attic, skylights, and complex roof designs.

The ice buildup damages the roof by preventing the melted snow from draining. With nowhere to go, the water seeps into the walls and ceilings. Ice dams can also lift shingles and pull the gutters off, leading to more water entering the roof.

Although not all icicles indicate the presence of an ice dam, your home most likely has one if there’s ice coming from the soffits, forming behind the gutters, and appearing on the exterior wall. Water seeping through a door frame or window is also a warning sign.

Clogged Gutters

After nights of snowfall, the gutters could have accumulated more than just snow. Debris like shingle granules, tree branches, and dead leaves could have built up, clogging the gutters and starting wood rot.

Roof Stains

Is your roof sporting a different color from the one it had before the ice covered it? This might mean that the nails under the roof are rusty and compromising the roof’s integrity.

Black streaks, meanwhile, could mean that algae, which can thrive even in low temperatures if there’s a food source, has taken over your roof. Not only are the stains unsightly, but they damage the roof as they hold moisture and increase the risk of rotting wood.

The same is true for ceiling stains. These mean that the water has entered the home, through the attic or the roofing system.

Unstable Roof

In bad cases, days of wet, heavy snow pave the way for an unstable roof (especially if it’s old). If the weight of the snow exceeds the roof’s snow load, a part of the roof will weaken and could collapse. So, check for sagging ceilings, consistent creaking noises, and doors and windows that are difficult to open.

If you spot any damage to your roof, don’t hesitate to call SPC Construction and Roofing. We have years of experience in repairing roofs in Texas and Oklahoma, so we can guarantee reliable results every time. Contact us today for more information about our services.