Richmond Roof Damage After Winter Storm Fern: When to Call for Help

What Winter Storm Fern Did to Richmond Area Roofs

Winter Storm Fern brought sleet and ice to the Richmond area, creating tough conditions for local roofs. The storm left snow and sleet on the ground throughout Central Virginia, and freezing temperatures will remain through the end of the month.

The mix of snow, sleet, and ice created several problems:

• Weight on roofs - Snow and ice add extra weight that roofs must support

• Ice formation - Ice accumulations of 0.25 to 0.5 inches occurred across central Virginia

• Poor drainage - Ice blocks gutters and prevents water from flowing away

• Temperature changes - Melting and refreezing create more ice problems

Why This Storm Was Different

Powhatan County declared a State of Emergency due to the hazardous conditions. The storm brought:

• Snow that changed to sleet and freezing rain

• Ice that could damage trees and power lines

• Dangerous road conditions throughout the area

• 378 crashes reported by Virginia State Police, with 28 involving injuries

Types of Roof Problems from Snow and Ice

Heavy Snow Weight

Snow weighs more than most people think. Wet snow is especially heavy. When too much builds up, it can:

• Make roof boards sag or bend

• Cause doors and windows to stick

• Create cracks in walls or ceilings

• Make unusual creaking sounds

If you notice any of these signs, call a roof repairs company right away.

Ice Dams and Water Backup

Ice dams happen when snow melts on the warm part of your roof, then freezes again at the cold edges. This creates a barrier that stops water from draining properly.

Problems from ice dams include:

• Water backing up under shingles

• Leaks into your home

• Damage to gutters and roof edges

• Stains on walls and ceilings

Damaged Shingles and Gutters

The weight of snow and ice can:

• Loosen or break shingles

• Pull gutters away from the house

• Damage flashing around chimneys and vents

• Create gaps where water can get in

Small roof repairs done quickly prevent bigger, more expensive problems later.

Different Roof Types and Winter Weather

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Most Richmond area homes have asphalt shingle roofs. These roofs handle snow well when properly maintained. Winter problems to watch for include loose or missing shingles, granule loss from ice, cracked shingles, and damaged flashing around chimneys.

Cedar and Wood Roofs

Cedar roofs require special care during winter. D & B Roofing Services specializes in cedar roofing work. Winter concerns include moisture absorption that can cause cracking, ice formation between boards, and split wood from freeze-thaw cycles.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs shed snow quickly but can still have problems like ice dams at gutters, loose fasteners from expansion, and condensation issues in poorly ventilated attics.

When to Call for Professional Help

Emergency Situations

Call for immediate help if you notice active leaks, visible sagging in your roof line, large amounts of ice hanging from gutters, or snow blocking exits. Don't wait for these problems to get worse.

After-Storm Inspections

Even without obvious damage, have your roof checked after major storms. Professional inspections find small leaks, loose shingles, gutter damage, and insulation problems before they become expensive repairs.

Planning for Repairs

After major storms, roofing companies get busy quickly. Consider weather conditions, insurance claims, material availability, and contractor schedules when planning repairs.

Preparing Your Home for Future Winter Storms

Before Winter Arrives

Smart preparation includes scheduling fall roof inspections, cleaning gutters, trimming tree branches over your roof, checking attic insulation, and keeping emergency supplies ready.

During and After Storms

Stay safe during storms by staying inside and monitoring for damage. After the weather clears, inspect your roof from the ground, check gutters for problems, and schedule a professional inspection if needed.

D & B Roofing Services: Your Local Winter Weather Helper

D & B Roofing Services has been helping Richmond area homeowners since 2006. We know how Virginia winters can affect roofs. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience and full insurance coverage.

Emergency Help When You Need It

Winter storms don't wait for business hours. That's why we offer emergency services for urgent roof problems:

• Active leaks that need immediate attention

• Visible damage from snow or ice

• Safety concerns about your roof structure

• Temporary fixes to protect your home while we plan permanent repairs

Our emergency team can put up temporary weather protection to keep your home dry until we can make permanent fixes.

Complete Roof Inspections After Storms

After a storm like Winter Storm Fern, we check your entire roof system. This helps us find both obvious damage and small problems you might not see. Our inspection includes:

Structure Check

• Roof beams and support systems

• Roof boards and how they're attached

• Areas where weight might cause problems

Weather Protection Systems

• Shingle condition and how well they're attached

• Flashing around chimneys and vents

• Gutter and downspout condition

Prevention Opportunities

• How well your attic is ventilated

• Insulation effectiveness

• Drainage system capacity

This complete check helps us fix the most important problems first and find maintenance tasks that prevent future damage.

Where We Work and How to Reach Us

D & B Roofing Services helps homeowners throughout the Greater Richmond area. Our local presence means we can respond faster during emergencies and better understand how local weather affects roofs.

Our Qualifications and Insurance

We are a CertainTeed Shingle Installer with $2 million in insurance coverage. This means:

• We meet high standards for roofing work

• Your home is protected if anything goes wrong

• We follow all local rules and regulations

• We have Virginia License #2705168001

These qualifications give you peace of mind that snowstorm damage roof repair work will be done right and your investment is protected.

How to Prevent Snow Damage to Your Roof

Regular Roof Maintenance

Taking care of your roof throughout the year helps prevent problems during winter storms. Regular check-ups find weak spots and loose materials before they become emergencies.

Simple maintenance tasks that help during winter:

• Clean gutters and downspouts - Removes leaves and debris that can cause ice blockages

• Check for loose shingles - Secure any that might come off in the wind or under snow weight

• Seal small gaps - Fix minor problems before water can get in

• Make sure attic vents work - Good airflow prevents ice dam formation

These simple steps cost much less than emergency repairs and give better protection.

Fix Attic Insulation and Airflow

Good attic insulation stops heat from escaping through your roof. This prevents snow from melting and creating ice dams. Good ventilation keeps temperatures even across your roof.

Signs you might need insulation or ventilation work:

• Ice forms along your roof edges

• Some areas of your roof melt snow faster than others

• High heating bills in winter

• The attic feels very hot in summer

A professional can check your insulation and ventilation to see if improvements would help your situation.

Take Care of Gutters and Downspouts

Good gutters handle melting snow and ice properly, which reduces ice dam problems and prevents water backup.

Important gutter maintenance includes:

• Regular cleaning - Remove leaves and debris before winter

• Check for leaks - Fix any holes or loose joints

• Make sure they slope right - Water should flow toward downspouts

• Consider gutter guards - May help if you have recurring ice dam problems

For homes with repeated ice dam problems, heating cables or other solutions might help. A professional can determine the best fix for your specific drainage challenges.

Final Thoughts

Winter Storm Fern reminds us that Virginia winters can be tough on roofs, even well-maintained ones. D & B Roofing Services is ready to help Greater Richmond area homeowners protect their homes with quality roofing and roof repair services. Our emergency response, experience, and commitment to customer satisfaction mean that your family stays protected through winter and beyond.