Why Is Your Roof Leaking This Winter?

The winter season brings extreme weather conditions, especially heavy snowfall. For this reason, even the most well-maintained roofs experience extensive damage. During wintertime, one thing you should watch out for is a leaking roof. While there may be some repairs that can wait until spring, a leaking roof should be addressed immediately.

In this article, Home Pro Exteriors, a leading provider of roof replacement services, provides an overview of why your roof is leaking this winter.

What Causes Your Roof to Leak?

There are many reasons as to why your roof is leaking. Take a look at some of the common causes:

Ice dams. This occurs when the snow melts and travels down the slope of your roof, then cools and refreezes at the eaves. As such, these thick ridges of ice block water and snow from moving off your roof, which then refreeze as a new layer. Since it has nowhere to go, water will travel back underneath your shingles and enter your home as a leak.
Attic condensation. If your attic is not properly insulated, too much warm air can enter your home. It may also lead to excessive condensation as heat from your warm living room turns into water vapor. If it collects in your attic, it may create huge droplets, which can also cause mildew, mold, or rot.
Clogged gutters. During winter, make sure your gutters are free of ice, leaves, or dirt to prevent them from clogging. Keep in mind that clogged gutters can’t effectively drain water, ice, and snow away from your roof. Thus, it may cause your roof to start leaking.
Damaged shingles. Even before winter weather settles in, make sure your shingles are in great condition. Cracked, damaged, or missing shingles leave your roof deck exposed to water, which may lead to a leakage problem.

How Can You Fix the Damage?

If your roof is leaking, the first thing you have to do is call a professional roofer. They will assess the extent of the damage and perform the necessary roof repair services. For ice dam problems, your roofer will use steamers and other heavy-duty equipment to eliminate the problem. Keep in mind to leave this to the experts as removing ice dams yourself can be dangerous for untrained people.

If your attic needs insulation, your roofer can add extra insulation to prevent excess moisture. They may also use blown-in insulation to fill the area tightly without leaving holes around the pipes and beams. For damaged shingles, your roofer may opt to replace them to prevent further leaking issues.

Are you looking for a professional roofing or siding company? Get in touch with Home Pro Exteriors for your home improvement needs. Call us today at (845) 343-1777 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Middletown and the surrounding NY areas.

Jim Klein