What Are The Most Common Causes of Winter Roof Leaks?

Winter is a time when the weather is often unpredictable and all sorts of things can happen to your roof. Snow piling on it, icicles forming around it, and even frost that makes walkways slippery are just some of the many issues your roof might experience during this time. One issue that is often very prominent on a teetering rooftop – especially in cold weather-is leaks; which may cause serious structural damage and moisture problems at home if not addressed promptly!

If you notice your roof leaking during the winter, schedule an inspection right away!

It’s likely because of one of the following four common causes.

Condensation

During the winter, moisture can collect on your roof and cause a leak. One way this happens is when there’s no ventilation and the temperature changes rapidly. That moisture will trickle down from your roof and eventually lead to a leak. Your gutters will likely be blocked with ice or snow, which means that the water won’t be able to flow as it should and will instead seep into your shingles, soffits, vents, or anywhere else it can find its way out. This will cause a leak.

Condensation is just one of four common causes of a winter leak—learn more about the other three causes by reading on!

Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common cause of water damage during winter. They occur when the snow melts off of your roof and collects near gutters which are either improperly sloped or have ice blocking them. As the water builds up, it will force its way back up through shingles, soffits, vents, or anywhere else it can find its way out. There’s a good chance you’ll notice an ice dam if you see icicles hanging from your roof.

You need to be proactive about preventing ice dams by:

1. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of snow and ice
2. Installing heat cables in cold climates
3. Clipping tree branches away from your house to reduce the weight on the roof

Weakened Shingles

In winter, your shingles are at their most vulnerable. This is because the cold weather makes them more brittle and can cause them to break. If your shingles cannot protect against the elements, they will deteriorate quicker and lead to a leak in your roof.

While you should always be aware of any signs that point to a leak in your roof, here are some helpful reminders about winter that may help you recognize when it’s time to act:

• When temperatures drop, water becomes more likely to freeze due to condensation. If ice dams form, this can force water back up through shingles, soffits, vents, or anywhere else it can find its way out.
• When the snow melts off of your roof it can collect near gutters that are either improperly sloped or have ice blocking them. This will lead to ice dams forming that will force water back up through shingles, soffits, vents, or anywhere else it can find its way out.
• It’s possible for shingle malfunctions to occur due to past damages or improper installation – especially during winter months when roofs are at their most vulnerable.
• When gutter downspouts get plugged

Problems with Gutters or Downspouts.

Gutters are the channels that divert water away from your roof, preventing it from dripping or flowing back down. Downspouts are the pipes that carry water collected by gutters away from the foundation of your home.

When gutters are clogged with debris, they can’t do their job. This leaves water to accumulate on your roof and eventually trickle down to cause a leak. Downspouts also need to be cleared of any debris so that they function properly. A simple winter first step is to clear out your gutters and downspouts of any leaves or other blockages, which will allow them to do their job during this time of year.

Local Winter Roofing Professionals

No one likes the thought of a leaky roof during the cold winter months. If you find that you’re getting a few leaks during this time of year, it’s best to reach out to a local roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof. If you are in the North Carolina or Virginia area, consider Kenneth Daniel Remodeling and Construction for all of your winter roofing needs! We offer 100% FREE roof inspections, contact us today!