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How Below-Zero Temperatures Can Impact Your Roof and Home — And How to Protect Them

Winter weather in Cowley and Sumner Counties often brings snow, ice, and freezing winds, but the current below-zero temperatures present an often-overlooked danger to your home. Extreme cold can affect your roof, walls, foundation, and even your plumbing in ways you may not expect. At Hartley Roofing, we want to ensure your property is prepared to weather these frigid conditions safely.


The Hidden Risks of Extreme Cold

When temperatures plummet, many of us focus on staying warm indoors. However, your home faces significant risks during prolonged cold spells:

  • Material Contraction and Weakening: Cold causes building materials to contract, which can lead to cracking, brittleness, and long-term damage.

  • Increased Water Damage Risk: Freeze-thaw cycles allow water to seep into surfaces, freeze, and expand, stressing your roof and foundation.

  • Burst Pipes: Poor insulation increases the risk of frozen and bursting pipes, potentially causing water damage.


How Cold Weather Affects Your Roof

While snow and ice are common concerns for roofs, subzero temperatures can amplify the risk of damage:

  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles: During these cycles, ice melts, seeps into your roof, and refreezes, expanding and creating cracks. Over time, this weakens shingles and other materials.

  • Brittle Shingles: Below-zero temperatures make shingles more fragile, increasing the likelihood of cracking or breaking, especially during strong winter winds.

  • Ice Dams: As heat escapes through your attic, it can melt snow on your roof, which refreezes at the edges, causing ice dams that trap water and lead to leaks.


Foundation and Basement Risks

Your home’s foundation isn’t immune to extreme cold:

  • Frost Heaving: Frozen ground expands, putting pressure on your foundation and potentially causing cracks or shifts. This can destabilize your entire home.

  • Water Absorption: Concrete foundations can absorb water, which freezes and expands, exacerbating cracks over time.

  • Basement Damage: Basements are especially vulnerable to cold. Frozen ground can push against walls, causing them to lean, and unprotected pipes are more likely to freeze and burst.


Siding Damage

Even your home’s siding isn’t safe from the cold. High winds can tear off siding or throw debris against it, while the freeze-thaw cycle weakens materials and makes them prone to cracking or breaking.


How to Protect Your Home This Winter

The good news is that you can take steps to minimize damage from below-zero temperatures:

  1. Inspect Your Home: Walk around your property and check for visible issues such as loose shingles, gaps in siding, or cracks in your foundation. If you’re unsure what to look for, Hartley Roofing can help with a professional inspection.

  2. Improve Insulation: Focus on areas like your attic and basement to prevent heat loss, reduce ice dam formation, and keep pipes from freezing.

  3. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or other sealants to fill gaps in windows, doors, and siding to prevent cold air and water from entering.

  4. Understand Your Plumbing: Locate your water shutoff valve and consider insulating exposed pipes to reduce the risk of bursts.


When to Call Hartley Roofing

Winterizing your home is no small task, especially when dealing with extreme temperatures like the ones we’re experiencing now. Hartley Roofing is here to help. From inspecting your roof for hidden damage to recommending repairs that can withstand Kansas winters, we’ll ensure your home is protected from the elements.


Contact us today to schedule an inspection or discuss winterization options. Stay safe and warm!


Hartley Roofing Danny Hartley
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Service Area: Arkansas City, Winfield, Wichita, Wellington, Douglas, Dexter, Cedarvale, South Haven, Caldwell, Belle Plaine, Mulvane, Rosehill, Udall, Andover , Augusta, Kechi, Valley Center, Haysville, Caney, KS, Cowley County, Butler County, Sedgwick County, Sumner County, Chautauqua County. and Kay County Oklahoma.

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