How to Identify a Roof Leak During the Winter Months

roof covered in snow that could have a roof leak

Winter is, by most accounts, the harshest season of the year. Temperatures drop, the air is dry, we enjoy less daylight … the list goes on. But perhaps the one thing people associate most prominently with winter is snow. And where there’s snow, there’s likely ice. This ruthless combination of frigid-weather effects can spell disaster for not just people, but for structures. You may be warm and cozy inside your home in these cold months, but that doesn’t mean mother nature isn’t trying her darndest to get in. Sometimes, she succeeds by causing a roof leak, one way or another.

When this happens, your best course of action is to identify the issue, implement repairs, and take steps to avoid it repeating itself—all of which we’ll explore in this blog.

Common Causes of Winter Roof Leaks

How do you take preventative measures if you don’t know what causes an issue? You don’t. But that’s about to change. If you discover a leak in your roof, there’s a good chance it was caused by one of the following:

  • Ice Dams: These can be a real nuisance. Ice dams form when the heat from your attic causes the snow on the roof to melt. The melted snow—er, water—runs down the slope of your roof, finding a nice little spot near the edge to refreeze and form a dam of ice. This means water can’t drain through the intended avenues, but it has to go somewhere. If enough accumulates, it will force its way under your shingles and into your home
  • Snow Accumulation: Rooftops are built to be strong, but there’s a limit to how much weight one can hold before it buckles. If enough snow accumulates on your roof, structural strain can occur and weak points can be exposed, leading to significant issues if the problem is left unchecked.
  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Many of us are familiar with the freeze-thaw cycle. We get a few inches of snow, and the next day the sun is out, slowly melting the snow. However, once that sun goes down, the temperatures drop and all that melted snow freezes. For your roof, that means water that has seeped into small cracks or gaps is now turning to ice and expanding, creating issues that could become big problems.
  • Poorly Sealed Features: Of course, it’s not just the snow and ice to blame. Sometimes, winter roof issues can be primarily caused by poor craftsmanship. Vents, skylights, and chimneys can be weak points if their structural integrity was never 100% to begin with.

We wouldn’t say knowing the causes of a roof leak is half the battle, but it’s very important! There’s still plenty to cover, though.

How to Find a Roof Leak

Knowing how to find a roof leak is just as important as the roof leak repair itself. If it’s never spotted, no repair can be made, and the problem keeps getting worse and worse. So let’s go over the signs you should keep your eyes peeled for to avoid disaster:

  • Water Stains: When water makes it far enough into the structure, the walls can be very telling. Discoloration or staining are often the first visible signs that water has infiltrated your house uninvited.
  • Dripping Water: If you spot water dripping—or pouring—out of a crack in your ceiling, there’s a 100% chance that’s not supposed to happen.
  • Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Bubbling or peeling wallpaper is another telltale sign that water is trying to sneak in and cause mischief.
  • Musty Odors: Sometimes leaks aren’t visually apparent, and we have to rely on our sniffers. Hidden leaks can easily dampen areas, fostering mold and mildew, which your nose will probably alert you to—unless you’re like me and are constantly congested in the winter.

Inspection Tips for Identifying a Roof Leak

Regular winter inspections are a great way to make sure no leak goes unpunished. If you want to catch leaks early, here’s what you can do:

  • Check From Inside the Attic: Be on the lookout for wet spots, trails of water, and even sunlight coming through gaps in your roof.
  • Inspect the Exterior: Examine the outer part of your roof, paying close attention to anything that looks off—missing or damaged shingles, bent flashing, or ice dams.
  • Use Binoculars: While some people use binoculars to spy on other houses, you can use yours for a more noble cause: spotting leaks. If climbing onto your roof isn’t something you’re comfortable with, finding a good spot and inspecting from afar is a safe alternative.

What to Do If You Find a Leak

You know the signs to look for. You’ve given your roof an inspection. You’ve identified all the problem areas. Time to get to work! The faster you act, the more likely you are to mitigate the damage (and the cost).

  • Temporary Fixes: Place a tarp over the affected area for the time being. This will prevent further damage until a proper solution can be implemented.
  • Contact a Professional: A licensed roofer will be able to provide a professional assessment and permanent solution to your roof leak issue, ensuring your home is protected through the rest of the winter and beyond.
  • Preventative Measures: Debris can build up easily in your gutters, especially if you live in a wooded area. Be sure to check them regularly and clear them of leaves, dirt, sticks, waffles (true story), and any other debris.

Trust the Roof Leak Repair Experts

A roof leak during the frigid months of winter has the potential to lead to costly disasters for your home and your comfort. Early detection and prompt repairs are essential to nipping these issues in the bud. If you’re facing a leaky roof issue in all this cold weather, don’t be afraid to reach out. We’ll fix your roof right up so you can stay cozy.