A roof does more than shelter you and your family. It protects your greatest asset – your home – from the structural damage that snow and rain can wreak and do winter leaks. But what happens if your roof leaks?
Identifying A Leak
If you see water stains that spread across ceilings or streak down walls, you most likely have a leaky roof. Finding the leak, especially in winter, can be a challenge. You can do it yourself, or you can call a trusted roofing contractor.
Here in Minnesota, if you have leaks on warmer winter days, you probably have an ice dam. Ice dams form when poor insulation lets heat escape from your home and into the attic. This warmer air melts snow on warmer days, and when the snow refreezes, forms an ice dam. This can cause water to pool up behind it, get behind your shingles, and damage your home.
What To Do
If you have an ice dam, there are a few things you can do as a quick fix. You can use a roof rake to drag the snow and ice off of the roof. You can also hire a company that specializes in ice-dam removal. Whatever you so, don’t use a hammer or shovel to chip away at the ice, as this could further damage your roof. And salt is unlikely to be of much help; it will probably just make your garden a hostile place for growth.
Even a small leak, if it goes undetected, can cause your insulation to become saturated. It can also cause mold, dry rot, and major roof repairs.
If you’re trying to track down the source of a leak, look uphill from where you see it. Look for any roof penetrations, ice dams, or other damage. If you’ve been the victim of hail and or high winds, your roof may have been compromised. You may be able to file a claim with your insurance company. As a locally owned and operated residential and commercial roofing company, we can help you navigate this process.