Winter in Kentucky brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners. Unlike northern states that stay frozen for months, Louisville and the surrounding areas experience frequent **freeze-thaw cycles**. This constant expansion and contraction can turn minor roof issues into major leaks overnight. ## Why Kentucky Winters Are Tough on Roofs It's not just the snow—it's the fluctuation. When water seeps into tiny cracks in your shingles or flashing during a rainy 45°F day, and then freezes that night when temperatures drop to 20°F, it expands. This process, repeated dozens of times a winter, can: - Crack brittle asphalt shingles - Loosen flashing around chimneys and vents - Pop nails out of decking - Create destructive ice dams ## Your Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist Before the first major winter storm hits, perform this ground-level inspection (or hire a pro for a roof-level look). - **Clean Your Gutters**: This is the #1 defense against ice dams. Clogged gutters trap water which freezes and backs up under your shingles. - **Check for "Shiners"**: Look at your roof from the yard. Do you see nail heads shining in the sun? These are potential leak points. - **Inspect Flashing**: Check the metal strips around your chimney and plumbing vents. If they look rusted or pulled away, they need sealing. - **Trim Overhanging Branches**: Heavy ice can snap branches, sending them crashing through your roof. Keep trees trimmed back at least 6-10 feet. - **Check Your Attic**: Look for daylight showing through the roof boards and check that your insulation isn't blocking the soffit vents. ## The Ice Dam Danger Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. ### How to Prevent Them ## When to Call a Professional While cleaning gutters is a great DIY task, some winter prep requires an expert eye. You should schedule a professional inspection if: - Your roof is over 15 years old - You see missing or damaged shingles - You've experienced leaks in previous winters - You're not comfortable walking on a ladder (safety first!) ## Emergency Winter Steps If you do discover a leak in the middle of a winter storm: - **Contain the water**: Place buckets in the attic if accessible to catch the drip before it hits your ceiling. - **Relieve pressure**: If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole in the center to let the water drain into a bucket, preventing a ceiling collapse. - **Call for emergency tarping**: Don't climb on an icy roof yourself. Professional roofers have the safety gear to install emergency tarps even in bad weather. ## Conclusion A little preparation now can save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs later. Kentucky winters are unpredictable, but your roof's performance doesn't have to be. **Need a pre-winter inspection?** Contact Onyx Roofing today to ensure your home is ready for whatever the season brings.

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Surviving the Kentucky Freeze: A Winter Roof Survival Guide