Why Roof Leaks are Especially Dangerous in Winter

How the Winter Chill Can Make Leaks Worse

Leaks in your roof are always troublesome, no matter what time of year it is. But during the colder months, the lower temperatures can make faults in your roof especially damaging. Ice, snow, and snowmelt can all infiltrate your home through cracks in the surface and valuable heated air can escape through your faulty roof. We asked our licensed roofers to go over the extra hazards that winter roof leaks could bring to your home, so you can ensure that your roof has the protection it needs to keep your family safe and comfortable all winter long.

Frozen Water Can Infiltrate Leaks

It’s bad enough when water drips onto your head through leaks in your roof, but what happens when that water freezes? When water freezes inside cracks in your roof, it increases the amount of pressure applied, causing cracks to widen. Additionally, it can be harder to tell your roof is leaking when the water that would normally be entering your home is frozen inside the leak. You’ll need to be on the lookout for warning signs like dark spots on ceilings and skylight condensation to identify damages.

Winter Weather Makes Repairs More Difficult

Unfortunately, if your roof does develop a leak in winter, the season could pose an obstacle to getting it fixed promptly. While some minor repairs may be possible, if you need a major repair or replacement, or if you want to get a reliable, long-lasting fix, most roofing work will have to wait for spring. In addition to ice and snow making roofing much more dangerous for technicians, the lack of heat can cause shingles to fail to seal to each other and the underlayment, creating a roof that’s more vulnerable. If you suspect that your roof has a problem, get a professional to take a look before the temperature drops.

Common Causes of Winter Roof Leaks

Aside from making existing issues worse, cold weather also carries with it its own potential roof hazards. Winter issues such as ice buildup can cause new leaks to form in your roof, and as discussed above, it can be hard to repair these new issues right away due to the weather. Watch out for the most common offenders listed below and stay in touch with your roofer if you notice anything unusual. Our licensed roofers also recommend getting your roof inspected before winter sets in to ensure that your roof is ready to defend itself.

Homeowners Should Be Aware Of:

  • Condensation from their attics
  • Ice dams causing snow to pool on their roof
  • Water freezing and thawing on their roof multiple times in a short period
  • Damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and other flaws in their roof’s built-in protections

Need help dealing with your roof’s winter problems? Contact the licensed roofing experts at Divine Roofing, Inc. by filling out our online contact form or giving us a call at (719) 497-1005!

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