Winter Roof Problems in Central Ohio: Ice Dams, Condensation & Cracked Shingles

The three winter roof issues we get called about most across Newark and Licking County — and how to prevent them next year.

Central Ohio winters are rough on roofs. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and warm attics all conspire against your shingles. Here are the three issues we diagnose most between December and March.

1. Ice dams at the eaves

Warm attic air melts snow on the upper roof; the meltwater refreezes at the cold eaves and backs up under your shingles. The fix is usually attic insulation and ventilation — not a heat cable, which is a band-aid.

2. Attic condensation that looks like a leak

If you see water on the underside of your decking only on cold mornings, that's almost always condensation from poor ventilation, not a roof leak. Soffit and ridge vent balance fixes 90% of cases.

3. Cracked or brittle shingles

Asphalt shingles get brittle below 40°F. Walking on them or trying a DIY repair in January almost guarantees breakage. If it can wait until spring, it should.