Who doesn’t love winter? Going sledding, ice skating, drinking warm cups of hot chocolate by the fire while the roof leaks above your head…
Wait. Hold up a minute. Did we just say a roof leak?
Yup. Contrary to popular belief, winter is the time of year when homes are more susceptible to roof leaks than ever. No matter what time of year it is, though, a winter roof leak is a serious problem that requires immediate action. Don’t worry, though. We are going to teach you:
It can be mentally confusing to think of leaks developing in the colder months. After all, when we think of winter, we tend to think of frozen water.
The truth is, though, that there are all sorts of factors that can cause your roof to be at risk during the winter months. Here are some of the top causes of winter roof leaks.
Now that you understand how your roof leak started, it’s important that you learn how to identify one in the first place. If you suspect that you may have a leaky roof, here are the best ways to tell.
When you find your roof leaking, you want to take care of the problem ASAP to avoid any further damage to your home. Here are the steps you should take when you discover your roof is leaking.
The first step is to locate the source of the leak. This may involve climbing into your attic or onto your roof. If you are inspecting your own roof, we encourage you to take all of the necessary safety precautions. Especially when it is icy out!
You’ll want to look for damaged or missing shingles or signs of rust.
Once you’ve found where a leak is coming from, you’ll want to do your best to protect the interior of your home. Start by mopping up any water that may be gathering on your floor. You can then place a bucket underneath the leak. We also recommend spreading out some absorbent towels to make sure that your floor is protected.
If you feel confident in your DIY skills, you have the option to perform a temporary roof patch. This will keep your home dry until you can contact a professional roofer.
To patch your roof, you’ll want to start by removing the damaged shingles. Once this is done, it is important that you clear the area of any debris that may be nearby.
Slide the new shingle into place, and use a small amount of sealant to help it become waterproof. You’ll then want to use a hammer to nail the shingles into place.
No matter how skilled a roofer you may think you are, we always recommend calling your local roofing contractor. A pro roofer will perform a roof inspection to assess the damage before advising you on what are the next steps for you to take.
The best way to protect your home against winter roof leaks is to stop them from happening in the first place! Here are our top tips for preventing winter roof leaks.
Scheduling regular roof inspections is one of the best things that you can do in order to prevent damage to your roof. A professional roofer can advise you as to what roof repair will help you avoid roof leaks in the winter.
Your roof has to deal with a lot during the winter. Regularly removing rooftop snow and other debris that has been collected will help you to keep your home safe and prevent ice dams.
As ice dams are the #1 cause of winter roof leaks, the best thing to do is tackle the problem at the source. This typically means adding insulation to your attic in order to prevent excess heat from escaping through your roof.
Want some help dealing with your persistent winter roof leaks? At Dreamworx Roofing, we’ve got you covered. Our team of highly trained roofing pros will help you keep your home safe all season long. Contact us today to set up your free roof inspection!
“Living comfortably at home means living in a safe, cozy house that protects you from outside elements.” -Dreamworx Co-Owner, Charlie Anderson