While there may be some repairs that have to wait until spring, some winter
roof leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible.
A few of the common culprits are ice dams, clogged gutters, condensation,
and damaged shingles.
Ice Dams:
Ice dams occur when snow melts and travels down the slope of your roof,
then cools and refreezes at the eaves, creating thick ridges of ice. These
ridges block water and snow from moving off your roof, which then refreeze
as a new layer. Eventually, water can travel backwards underneath your
roof’s shingles, where it can enter your home as a leak. If ice dams aren’t
removed, they can cause serious damage to your roof and home’s
structure.
Clogged Gutters:
If your gutters become blocked with ice, leaves, or dirt, then they can’t
effectively drain water, ice, and snow away from your roof. Similar to ice
dams, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your
shingles, and cause your roof to start leaking in winter.
Attic Condensation:
When warm, humid air from your home rises in the winter, it reaches the
attic and cools, creating condensation. If too much condensation forms, it
can have serious consequences for the health of your roof and even cause
winter roof leaks. Excess water in your attic from condensation can also
cause mildew, mold, or rot.
Damaged Shingles:
Cracked, damaged or missing shingles can also be a cause of winter roof
leaks. If your roof was damaged in a storm due to high winds, hail, or a
falling tree branch, it could have removed shingles and left your roof deck exposed to water. For this reason, it’s important to inspect your roof after a
storm, and make sure the shingles are secure before winter weather sets
in.
What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking in Winter:
If you notice your roof leaking in winter, what can you do? The key is to
identify the problem early, or call a professional to identify & repair it. At
minimum you could get a temporary solution and schedule the repair for
spring.
Catch
Winter Roof Leaks Early:
The key to resolving problems with your roof is identifying them quickly,
before they cause more damage. In winter, it’s especially important to spot
leaks early. Signs of winter roof leaks include water stains on interior or
exterior walls, water dripping from the ceiling or through ventilating fans,
and condensation on skylights. These are all indicators that something is
going on with your roof.
Call a Professional:
If you notice any sign your roof is leaking in winter, it’s best to call a
professional roofer to inspect the damage and recommend the best course
of action. If the fix involves working on your roof, serious repairs will likely
have to wait until spring, when it’s safer for the roofer and your roof.
Find a Temporary Solution:
our roofer may be able to suggest a short term solution or perform a
temporary repair until they can return to fix the problem. For example, ice
dams might indicate that your roof needs additional ventilation and
insulation to prevent recurring leaks. While they may not be able to get on to
your roof until spring, they can remove existing ice dams and use fans to
help regulate the temperature in your attic.
If you discover any roof leaks this winter, don’t worry. Call me today.
Steven Langan, 319-236-6100.