• Ice Dams

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form on the edges of your roof. They happen when warm air from your home melts snow on your roof, and the water refreezes as it flows to the colder edges. These ice dams stop water from draining off your roof, causing leaks inside your home.

To stop ice dams, make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside your home and away from your roof. However, if you already have ice dams, don’t try to break them yourself. It’s dangerous! Call a professional to remove them safely.

• Too Much Snow

Heavy snow can put a lot of weight on your roof, which can cause it to sag or even collapse. This is especially risky after a big snowstorm.

Keep an eye on how much snow piles up on your roof. If it’s getting too heavy, have it removed. It’s safer to call professionals to do this—they know how to clear the snow without damaging your roof or putting themselves in danger.

• Condensation

When warm air from inside your house meets the cold underside of your roof, condensation (water droplets) can form. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot in your attic.

The solution is good attic ventilation. Ventilation allows warm, moist air to escape instead of getting trapped. A quick check of your attic can help you spot issues before they become a bigger problem.

• Leaky Roofs

Winter weather can make small roof problems, like cracks or loose shingles, much worse. Water from melting snow can seep into cracks, freeze, and expand, making the cracks bigger. This can cause leaks inside your home.

Check your roof for damage before winter starts. If you notice missing shingles or loose parts, get them fixed quickly. A professional inspection is the best way to catch these issues.

• Clogged Gutters

Leaves and debris from the fall can clog your gutters. When snow melts, the water has nowhere to go and can freeze in the gutters. This can cause your gutters to sag or break.

Clean your gutters before winter, and consider adding gutter guards to keep them clear. If your gutters are already frozen, call an expert like United Roofing & Siding to fix the problem safely.

• Wind Damage

Winter storms in Albany and surrounding areas often bring strong winds. These can tear off shingles, loosen flashing, or damage other parts of your roof. A damaged roof is more likely to leak or fail during the winter.

After a storm, check for missing shingles or visible damage. If you spot a problem, act fast to get it repaired before it worsens.

• Skylight and Chimney Leaks

Skylights and chimneys are common trouble spots in the winter. Snow and ice can pile up around them, increasing the risk of leaks.

Make sure the flashing (the material that seals these areas) is in good shape. Regular inspections can catch problems before they cause water damage inside your home.