Extreme Freezing Temperatures in Texas and its Overwhelming Impact on Roofers

I probably don’t have to state the obvious when it comes to the freezing weather we’ve all experienced these past few days and all the negative effects it brought us as some of us had no electricity, no water, or a combination of both. On top of that, some even experienced other unusual household issues such as plumbing and roof leaks. While I don’t know much about plumbing, I do know a thing or two about roofing.

Being a native Central Texan, I can say first hand that I have never seen freezing weather or snow like this in my lifetime. This is pretty much unheard of around here and for this reason, I will have to say that if you have experienced a roof leak due to this weather, know that more than likely it is not because of a failing roof. Roofers in Central Texas do not roof with snow or ice on our minds (like our fellow roofers from up north). Because of the area we live in, it is not a common practice to install roofs with snow and ice barrier protectants, as is done in the north. Every region in the Country is different when it comes to weather and in our region, we roof with heat on our minds which means that we are looking for better, more intuitive and efficient ways to ventilate/cool down our attics for our hot summers. In the northern parts of the Country, they are more concerned about warming and ice proofing their homes from the long cold winters. This does not mean a roofer from one region is better than one from another region, or that materials used in our region are not quality materials. It simply means that we all roof under different weather circumstances and have to adapt to those circumstances.

It is not common for Central Texas roofers to use ice protective underlayment. Once ice and snow build up on our roofs, we naturally wait for it to thaw out. What we need to realize is that as ice/snow thaws out, it tends to “melt up” (that’s right, melt up). Piled ice and snow tends to expand and run back, pushing against the natural forces of gravity. This is why Northerners use ice barrier protectors on roof areas that tend to collect the most ice and snow, areas such as chimneys, valleys, roof walls etc..

I understand that it is not a comfortable feeling and that it may be scary to see water dripping into your home, but know that it is not due to the failing roof but rather the materials used. As long as the leak is one that is not causing a huge inconvenience, my recommendation before you decide to call a roofer, is to first wait until the snow/ice melts, then wait for the next rain storm to check the area. If you still notice the drip, then there is obviously a roof leak. If it does not drip, it just means that your roof is not snow and ice proofed like most roofs in our area.

Stay safe neighbors.