What Is the Most Common Cause of Roof Leaks?

What kind of damage can winter do that results in needing roof leak repairs?

While the white winter may be pretty when it is snow, here in Dallas we get more ice than snow. Yes, it looks pretty, but it is dangerous on the roads and the stormy winter weather that brings that ice, unleashes many other elements. What are the most common causes of roof leaks that leave a homeowner needing unexpected roof leak repairs? Four of the most common causes are:

• ICE ACCUMULATION

When we get ice storms here, they can leave behind a thick buildup on rooftops. Ice gets heavier the thicker it is and this can damage roofing materials by melting, refreezing, and creating cracks and needing roof leak repairs that you won’t know you have until the spring rains start. Ice dams form along the roof eaves, blocking the gutters, backing freezing water up under the shingles on your home, and blocking drains on commercial roofs.

• HIGH WINDS

During the winter storms that come through Dallas, the wind is typically strong and powerful gusts, a big part of the blizzard conditions we call winter here. These winds are a risk to the roofs of homes and businesses and can cause asphalt shingles to curl and blow them off. The winds find a loose part of a commercial roofing membrane and rip it off. These situations leave a roof vulnerable and then when the spring rains start, you find you need roof leak repairs. 

• SNOW

That white stuff is pretty, but in large amounts, wet snow gets very heavy and puts a roof under a lot of pressure. The roof will sag, and the melting snow will find where there are crack and loose roofing materials. Then the spring rains come, and you discover you need one or more roof leak repairs! 

How do I know if I have a roof leak? 

There are four particular areas that you want to inspect yourself or have a professional roofing contractor check for possible roof leak repair:

1. THE ROOF STRUCTURE 

The ice we get in the Dallas area along with any heavy snow, accumulates on rooftops, putting additional weight on the structure that it isn’t designed to hold. That weight will put extreme pressure on any old and weak areas, causing a sag and often creating cracks and holes, leaving you needing roof leak repairs or roof replacement. 

2. ROOFING MATERIAL

As roofing material ages, they become extremely susceptible to cold weather. Every type of roofing material on commercial and residential property can become brittle and crack, and when that first spring rain comes, you’re scrambling to make any roof leak repairs you can before the roofing contractor arrives. 

3. ATTIC SPACES

Excessive moisture accumulates in a roof year-round if there isn’t sufficient attic ventilation. When there is ice and snow on the roof, even more moisture can accumulate in the winter, leaking into the attic. Be proactive by inspecting the attic for any mildew and mold, wet insulation, or water stains on the ceiling joists and on the roof under decking. This proactive measure will allow you to make repairs before you have emergency roof leak repair needs.

4. THE GUTTER SYSTEM 

Inspect your gutter system for any blockage caused by the ice and snow. Check the gutters for any high wind damage that has caused the gutters to pull loose. When gutters are damaged, they can pull from the fascia, which can loose the roofing shingles. Blocked gutters will cause the rainwater to back up under the shingles. All of this can cause a roof leak, repairs can be minor or could require your entire roof be replaced. 

What are the best materials to use for roof leak repairs? 

This can depend on the type of the existing roofing material and if you’re doing roof leak repair for a commercial roof or a residential roof. When doing a temporary roof repair you’ll need the following materials: 

• A sheet of plywood
• Waterproof roof sealant
• Galvanized nails or screws
• A plastic tarp
• Several 2×4 boards

What steps should I take to repair a roof leak? 

The first step you should take is to call a professional roofing contractor. If there is widespread roof damage, it may take a while before they get to you, so you can use the materials listed above to make a temporary roof leak repair using these steps: 

• Cut the plywood just larger than the leak.
• Spread the roof sealant along the outer edge of the plywood and position it over the leak.
• Use the nails or screws to hold the plywood in place.
• Then apply the roof sealant over the nails or screws.

If the damage is too large, use the plastic tarp and spread it over the damaged area. Then use the 2×4 to form a frame over the tarp and either nail or screw the board down. Remember, these are only temporary roof repairs and should not be left for any long period of time.

Can roof leaks be prevented? 

For any roof, commercial or residential, keeping trees trimmed back from the roof will be a key thing you can do to prevent needing roof leak repairs. Having a commercial roof inspected every 30 days and a residential roof annually will allow the chance to find any possible issues that can lead to a roof leak later. Keeping the roof, commercial or residential, clear of any debris like tree limbs and more so they can’t rub creating a crack or hole is important too.