As temperatures drop, and winter settles in, many different issues can pop up within your property. As a homeowner, it is in your best interest to do research and be proactive against problems that may arise during this winter season, and one of them is roofing leaks. Roofing leaks can happen all year round, though winter roof leaks have a few causes that are exclusive to this time of the year. Why is your roof leaking this winter? Is there anything you can do about it? Expert roof service company Fields Roof Service is here to help!
Ice Dams
The most common cause of winter roofing leaks, ice dams form when the snow melts and runs down your roof’s slope, then cools and re-freezes at the eaves, forming thick ice ridges. These ridges prevent water and snow from draining off your roof, causing a fresh layer to form. Water can eventually seep backward beneath your roof’s shingles, penetrating through the small gaps and holes and causing leaks inside your home. Ice dams can cause significant problems to your roof and home’s structure if they aren’t removed, as cellulose-based or wooden roofing materials are highly susceptible to moisture and water damage.
It’s tempting to try to clear an ice dam yourself if the leaks are confirmed to be caused by one. This is, however, a job best left to the professionals. For the unskilled, the steamers and other heavy-duty equipment required to remove the dam can be deadly. To avoid costly roof repair and other issues, having a trusted contractor do regular maintenance runs on your roof is the best way to keep it healthy and prevent minor issues from becoming significant ones.
Bad Attic Insulation
If you’re having leakage issues in your attic this winter, it’s possible that poor attic insulation is the culprit. If your attic insulation isn’t properly maintained or replaced, a lot of warm air could get in. When that warm air goes upward and into a poorly insulated attic, it’ll end up forming a lot of condensation. This is because heat from your heated living room rises and condenses as water vapor. When the water vapors collect in your attic and stew in there for a time, they will cool and form large, dangerous drops. These might cause your roofing beams to decay as they fall on the wooden surfaces of your attic.
The best way to prevent this issue is to regularly check your attic, and perform proper sealing and insulation. An easy way to know if your internally heated air is leaking into your attic space is to check the ambient temperature in it during the evenings. The temperature within the attic should be similar to the temperature outside, and if it’s warmer than that, then you’re having insulation problems in there.
Contact Us!
Need a reputable team to perform roof service on your home? Fields Roof Service is a company devoted to customer satisfaction, roofing excellence, and its employees. Since its founding in 1957, we have strived to provide high-quality service through our excellent workmanship and a strong emphasis on giving our clients the best value for the work we do for them. We are also official members of the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington, Western States Roofing Contractors Association, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County, and the Better Business Bureau®!
For any inquiries, contact us through (253) 852-4974 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We proudly serve clients and homeowners in the state of Washington.
