It’s important to ensure that your roof is in good condition during cold winter. Finding reliable information about winter roofing can be difficult, so it’s important to research your options and find a knowledgeable professional to help you with any roof maintenance or repair needs.
Here are several causes of a leaky roof and what you can do about them:
Ice Dams
As the snow accumulates on the roof and melts, it begins to freeze again. This causes a build-up of water, forming a dam. This dam is forced underneath the shingles and into the attic. As it continues to build up, it can lead to water seeping through the insulation and walls. The issues this can cause can be extensive, including damage to the sheetrock, structural damage, and mold and mildew.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris during the fall season. If you don’t clean them out, your gutters won’t be able to carry water away from your roof and house. The excess water from the winter snow and thawing ice can damage your roof and walls if it can’t flow away from your home. Therefore, ensuring your gutters are clear before winter arrives is important to avoid extra water damage.
Attic Condensation
If your attic is not properly insulated, moisture from the outside can enter your home and cause extra humidity. This humidity can then turn to condensation when the attic is cooler than the temperature inside the house. This condensation can build up on the wooden surfaces and drip down, resulting in a leaky ceiling. If this is not taken care of quickly, it can cause mildew, mold, and rot on the roofing components.
Weak Flashing
Flashing is a protective barrier located at the joints of a roof where two surfaces meet, such as the area around a chimney or the corner edges of a roof. It is designed to create a seal that prevents water from entering vulnerable spots like cracks or gaps. If the flashing is damaged or broken, it can allow melting snow or ice to seep in, leading to water damage in the home.
Cracked Membrane
Winter can be especially challenging for flat roofs, as the freezing and thawing of snow can put extra strain on the membrane. This can lead to cracks or leaks in older roofs, so it’s important to take extra care when keeping them sealed and secure.
Exhaust Fans
The exhaust fans in your bathroom are usually not connected to the outside. Instead, they send the air they collect directly into your attic. This air can cause condensation and moisture in the attic, which can freeze and look like a leak in your living spaces.
Bad Seams
The areas where panels of roofing material come together are particularly vulnerable to water damage. During the winter, when snow can stay on the roof for long, these seams can become even more prone to damage. If the seals between the panels are weakened, the snow can worsen the problem. When the snow melts during the warmer days after a heavy snowfall, the water will be directed into the seams and can cause leaks in the roof.
Conclusion
A leaky roof during the winter can be caused by various factors. To prevent a leaky roof and keep your home safe and dry, it is important to inspect the roof annually, repair any damaged shingles, ensure adequate ventilation and insulation, and prevent ice dams from forming. Taking proper precautions can help ensure that your home is protected from the elements and that you and your family can enjoy a comfortable winter season.
Pioneer Roofing Company was founded in 1980 by John Stout to service the Rocky Mountain in the West region of the United States. As a proud family-owned and operated business, we have quickly become one of the area’s most well-respected and trusted roofing companies. We constantly look for new and innovative ways to improve efficiencies and sustainability in our roofing process and promote the installation of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient roofing products. If you need emergency roof repair in San Diego, CA, contact us! You can count on us to complete your roofing project right the first time!