Watch Out for These Three Causes of Winter Roof Leaks

Most people think of leaking roofs in the summer and spring months when rain increases. There is, however, a risk of a leaky roof even in the colder winter months. Roof leak issues are not all that uncommon. House leak repair is often one of the most frequent things that homeowners have to deal with as materials do break down and do degrade over time. When it comes to how to find a leak in your roof, you should watch for water spots in the ceiling, look for dripping, and smell for mold as these are all signs that leaks may be afoot.

For those that are looking how to repair your roof, a roofing company is always going to be your best bet — unless of course, you are a roofer and know how to do the repairs yourself. A leak coming through ceiling tiles is often a very bad one as much of the smaller leaks are going to be caught in the attic of the home. If you have a leaky roof, it is always best to seek professional help to tend to these issues and get your roof back in perfect working order and leak-free.

There are several home roofing options out there, and all of them are vulnerable to three major problems during winter. Here’s what to look out for:

1. 1. Check the Flashing
      
      If your roof is leaking, it’s possible that the flashing on your roof was damaged or weathered. Most home roofing options use flashing, which consists of angled sheet metal that covers roof joints and prevents water from seeping in. Usually you’ll find flashing around chimneys, skylights or protruding windows. If you find that leaks are coming from these areas, it’s likely that your flashing is to blame.
      
      If the flashing is only slightly corroded or has a few small holes, you may be able to fix the problem with roofing cement. Flashing that needs patches larger than about three fourths of an inch will likely require professional roofing repair.

1. 1. Watch Out for Ice Dams
      
      Ice dams are among the most common roof issues for all home roofing options and styles. Ice dams form when heat from the attic warms the deck of your roof. The lowest layer of snow on your roof melts and flows down to your roof gutters and downspouts. If your roof downspouts or gutters are dirty or clogged, the water has nowhere to go, and it refreezes on the end of your roof. The water that doesn’t freeze tends to wash back under your shingles and leak into the inside of your home.
      
      Clean your gutters and downspouts between snowfalls, and make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. A good water-proofing shingle underlayment can help prevent leaks.

1. Beware of Condensation
   
   Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold roofing system. This often occurs in attics with poor ventilation and improper insulation. Generally, water droplets form in the attic when the sun is out, which can lead to mold, wet insulation, and ultimately roof failure. Usually you’ll need to call in a professional to fix condensation issues.

Ask a professional to evaluate your roof to make sure you’re fully prepared for winter.

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