LePage and Sons Roofing LLC

Winter conditions can result in leaks and unnecessary strain on the roof, which, in turn, can lead to problems like moisture damage and mold growth. Fortunately, such causes can be prevented if you know where the leaks are coming from. In today’s post, roof replacement company LePage and Sons Roofing LLC discusses the five most common sources of roofing leaks during the winter season.

1. Poor Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Warm and humid air naturally rises and eventually makes its way to the highest point of the house — the attic. An attic that’s lacking insulation and ventilation can trap heat and moisture, which can cause roof leaks in two ways:

• Condensation. A poorly-ventilated attic traps moisture in the air, while a poorly-insulated roof deck provides a cool surface where vapor can condense into water droplets. As more moisture builds up, some of it makes its way back into the living areas and causes the same problems true roofing leak would — water stains, moisture damage and mold growth, to name a few.
• Ice dams. Trapped heat in the attic can raise the roof’s temperature to above freezing, enough to melt the snow on the rooftop. As meltwater reaches the roof edge, it refreezes and eventually forms a ridge that can drive water through the roof edge. It can also form icicles that can cause damage or injury.

If you have an unfinished attic, a quick inspection will help you determine whether or not it needs new insulation and ventilation. When you climb into the attic, you’d feel a marked difference in the temperature and humidity. The attic walls and framing would be “sweating” and there would be little to no airflow coming through the intake vents at the soffits. The good news is, attic insulation and ventilation issues can be fixed without tearing the roof apart. In some cases, mechanical ventilation may need to be installed if standard passive vents are not enough.

2. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

Ice dams are but one way that moisture can infiltrate the roof during the winter season. Another is a clogged gutter system. Leaves, twigs or other debris left in the gutters would allow standing water within, which would freeze in the winter and push meltwater up, towards the roof edge, leading to a leak. It may also contribute to ice dam formation, as described above. This is why gutter professionals recommend having your gutters cleaned at least once a year.

Another reason to keep your gutters and downspouts clean is it helps prevent problems that lead to corrosion. Sharp twigs can scrape off gutter paint or coating, which exposes the metal underneath. Standing water exposes the bare metal to moisture, which can ultimately lead to corrosion. In addition to keeping up with required maintenance, consider investing in a gutter protection system, which can help keep the gutter troughs free from leaves and debris.

3. Damaged or Loose Flashing

Flashings are the metal strips that are installed at the parts where your roof meets a wall or protrusions such as chimneys and vents. They act as a sealing component that protects these vulnerable areas. Since they’re exposed to the same conditions as the rest of the roof, they can get damaged or knocked loose. During the winter season, the fasteners that hold the flashings in place can loosen due to pressure exerted by expanding ice, which may introduce gaps that can let moisture infiltrate the roof.

One of the reasons why roofing maintenance is best done during the months leading to the winter season is it lets your roofer find signs of potential roofing problems. While not offered by all roofers, emergency roof repair services are available in case you experience severe leaks in the middle of winter.

4. Plumbing Issues

Sometimes, what looks like a roofing leak isn’t a leak at all. Water pipes can crack or burst from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. When this happens to the plumbing at the upper stories, they can have the same effect as a roof leak.

One important step to take before the winter season is to make sure that your plumbing system is properly insulated. It protects exposed pipes, hoses and faucets from freezing and potentially bursting. Keeping outside spigots open can also help water in the pipes to drain out and reduce pressure buildup.

5. Roof Damage

Damaged roofing is at a greater risk of developing problems when exposed to winter conditions — yet another reason why roof maintenance and repair have to be done ahead of the winter season. Some of the most common kinds of damage that happen during the winter season include:

• Wind damage. The roof edge is particularly at risk of wind damage because high speed winds can hit it from a second direction, when the wind hits the wall below it and changes direction. Wind damage can occur any time of the year, and leaving it unrepaired before the winter season can result in further damage. In addition to keeping up with your roofing maintenance requirements, investing in a roof with high wind ratings can significantly reduce the risks of further damage during the winter season.
• Snow damage. A roof that’s poorly constructed or built to handle a light weight load may collapse or show signs of stress under several inches of snow. This is why a roofer must take into consideration factors like local weather conditions when designing and building a roof. You can alleviate pressure on the roof by regularly removing snow at the roof’s edge, or hiring a professional snow removal service. If your roof is up for replacement, talk to your roofer about improving its framing.
• Standing water. Standing water can accumulate on flat roofs, which can cause deterioration on roofing seams. During the winter season, it can cause further damage to the rooftop as it freezes. Ice can also build up in the gutters and downspouts. This is why it’s important to ensure proper drainage on a flat roof.

Having a reliable residential, commercial and solar roofing contractor can help you prevent or mitigate the roofing problems described above. Learn more about our services at LePage and Sons Roofing LLC by calling us at (508) 295-6483. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.