Weather and climate have a big effect on the integrity, maintenance, and longevity of your roof. If you live in a cold and wet climate, then your roof may develop problems that roofs in warmer climates do not have. This is mainly due to the temperature and its associated issues such as snow and ice. Some of the roof complications that can be attributed to such places include the following?

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when inadequate insulation and ventilation allows heat to escape into the attic and heat the upper parts of the roof.  If there is even a little snow on the roof, it will melt, flow, and refreeze on the lower parts of the roof. The ice thus formed then traps more water behind it, which then freezes too. The trapped water can seep into the roof structure, leak into the house, and cause serious damage.

Difficulties with Routine Maintenance

It is riskier to work on a wet roof than on a dry one. This is mainly because the roof gets slippery and difficult to operate on. Therefore, simple maintenance practices like roof inspection and cleaning become difficult. Yet, you need to keep your roof clean because debris has many detrimental effects such as increased risk of rot and algae growth. Therefore, it may be prudent to let a professional handle all your roof maintenance practices that involve climbing onto the roof if it is wet or slippery.

Weight of Snow

Snow is a problem in extremely cold weather because it adds a great deal of weight to the roof. Too much snow accumulation can cause structural defects on your roof and even collapse it. If you live in an extremely cold region, then you need to inspect your roof before the main cold season begins. The inspection needs to ensure that the gutters are structurally sound, the nailing is strong, and the roof can bear the weight of the expected snowfall.

Leaks

The risk of roof leak increases when the weather is both cold and wet. The low temperatures lead to snowfalls, the accumulated snow slows down the drainage, and the water has more time to find its way into your roof's structures. The most problematic areas are roof joints such as valleys.

These are some of the things to be concerned about if you live in a cold and wet region. Knowing what to expect helps you to be prepared. For example, the threat of ice dams should spur you to take preventive measures that involve improving your roof ventilation and insulation. For assistance, talk to a professional like All American Roofing Incorporated.