This won’t exactly be a news flash: Here in the Quad Cities region, winter can be long and intense. And spring often arrives slowly, in fits and starts. This colder stretch of the calendar can do a number on your roof. And it’s not just the obvious risk of heavy snow or ice loads. A more insidious but common source of damage is the freeze-thaw cycle.
Here at Evenhouse Roofing, we specialize in all aspects of roofing for our customers in Davenport, IA and the surrounding area. That includes the roof inspections, repairs, and replacements that can help mitigate freeze-thaw problems. Let’s explore what the freeze-thaw cycle is, how it can impact your roof, and how we can help.
Understanding Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Water is an amazing substance that naturally exists in three distinct states. It coexists here on Earth in liquid, gaseous (as water vapor), and frozen (as ice and snow) phases. A freeze-thaw cycle occurs when water expands as it turns into ice, then melts back into its liquid state before freezing again. This happens when temperatures fluctuate above and below the freezing point (32°F or 0°C). Needless to say, that’s a very common occurrence during winter and early spring here along the Iowa-Illinois border. Indeed, freeze-thaw cycles often happen daily as temperatures climb above freezing during the day and drop back down below at night. They may occur multiple times a day.
These cycles are an important agent of physical weathering. Water penetrates pores and cracks in rock, widens these openings upon freezing, and then infiltrates deeper upon melting. In this manner, large boulders and outcrops subjected to eons of freeze-thaw cycles gradually split and shatter.
Freeze-thaw cycles breaking apart rocks and heaving soil are a natural and essential geomorphic process. What we don’t want is that destructive action going to town on our roofs!
How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Can Damage Your Roof
Moisture penetrates the seams and edges of your roofing materials in the form of direct precipitation, as meltwater from the base of your roof snow cover, and as condensation. Regardless of its source, this water can then strain those roofing materials when it freezes and expands. An enlarged opening created by ice can then enhance penetration by liquid water, expanding the freeze-thaw effects upon your roof.
In this way, freeze-thaw action can crack, split, or wedge apart shingles, flashing, gutters, and roof caps. This can damage these materials and lower your roof’s resistance to the elements. It also can introduce roof leaks and a whole host of moisture-related problems, from unhealthy mildew to structurally compromising rot.
Freeze-thaw cycles can also relate to the formation and effects of ice dams. These rims of ice form along your roof eaves due to temperature gradients, often worsened by poor insulation or ventilation. Meltwater or precipitation running down the roof then collects behind the ice dams. That water can then seep into or under your roof, producing leaks and potentially increasing freeze-thaw effects.
Signs That You May Have Freeze-Thaw Damage on Your Roof
The effects of freeze-thaw damage can be subtle, especially at first. Left unaddressed, they tend to become much more obvious.
Homeowners often discover the damage because of visible signs of roof leaks like ceiling stains, peeling plaster, or visible drips and puddles. A smell of mildew or mold can clue you in, too.
You may also notice upwarped shingles, roof tiles, or flashing. Sagging areas in your roof or ceiling can also be a warning sign of freeze-thaw and moisture damage.
Preventing Freeze-Thaw Roof Problems
Removing excessive snow buildup on your roof can help you avoid or reduce freeze-thaw effects. Ice dams can form simply due to the right setup of weather conditions, but they often indicate heat loss from an attic or other upper room. Having adequate insulation can decrease the likelihood of ice dams and associated freeze-thaw issues.
Regular roof inspections are an excellent way to stay on top of freeze-thaw problems. Initial impacts from ice and meltwater are often easy to address. If you neglect the small signs, such as minor leaks or raised shingles, the damage can easily turn into big-time headaches and expenses.
Trust Us to Keep Freeze-Thaw Roof Damage at Bay
Whether it’s a detailed roof inspection or expertly executed shingle or gutter repairs, turn to our Davenport-based team to avoid and remedy freeze-thaw problems. Our roofing services run the gamut from annual assessments to complete roof replacements. And we’re adept at working with all kinds of different roofing materials and styles.
Reach out online or give us a call for the finest in Quad Cities-area roofing services!
