Est. 2014

What to Do If Your Roof Starts Leaking During a Winter Storm

Winter storms can be a beautiful sight, but they can also wreak havoc on your home. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures can all contribute to serious roof damage. One of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face is discovering a roof leak during the winter months. Water leaking into your home can cause significant damage to your interior, insulation, and structural integrity if not handled quickly.

At Pinnacle Roofing, we understand that winter leaks require quick action. Here’s what you should do if your roof starts leaking during a winter storm:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when you notice a leak is to stay calm. It can be easy to panic, especially if the water seems to be pouring in quickly. Take a deep breath and carefully assess the situation. Walk around your home to identify where the leak is coming from and check if there is any visible damage to your roof or surrounding areas.

Key things to check for:

  • Water stains or drips on your ceiling or walls.
  • Wet insulation in your attic.
  • Evidence of ice dams or blocked gutters (these are often the culprits behind winter leaks).

If the leak is large or worsening rapidly, don’t hesitate to take immediate action.

2. Contain the Water Damage

While your primary concern is to stop the leak, it’s important to prevent further water damage inside your home. Here are some steps to contain the water:

  • Place a bucket or container under the leak to catch water. If the leak is dripping onto your floor, use towels or rags to soak up the water. Keep extra towels on hand to absorb more as needed.
  • Move furniture and valuable items away from the leak to protect them from water damage.
  • Use a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover the affected area temporarily. If there’s snow or ice on your roof, a tarp can help reduce the amount of water entering your home.

Tip: If the leak is coming through a light fixture, turn off the electricity in that room to prevent any risk of electrical hazards.

3. Inspect Your Roof for Ice Dams or Snow Build-Up

Winter leaks are often caused by ice dams, which form when warm air from your home escapes into the attic and melts the snow on your roof. As the water flows down, it refreezes at the eaves, creating a dam that blocks proper drainage. The trapped water can then seep under the shingles and cause leaks inside.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Look for ice dams: Ice buildup along your roofline or icicles hanging from your eaves can be a sign of an ice dam.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts: Ensure that gutters are free from debris so melting snow can properly drain off the roof.
  • Use a roof rake: If it’s safe to do so, carefully use a roof rake to remove excess snow from the roof’s edge (never climb on the roof yourself in winter conditions).

Note: If you’re unsure of the cause or it’s too dangerous to inspect the roof yourself, contact a professional roofing contractor immediately.

4. Temporarily Seal the Leak

If you have access to your attic or the area around the leak, try to seal off the affected area temporarily to prevent more water from entering your home. You can use materials like:

  • Roofing tape or waterproof tarps to cover smaller leaks or cracks.
  • Plastic sheeting for larger areas to divert water away from your home’s interior.

Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution, and you’ll need a professional roofer to inspect the roof and fix the underlying problem after the storm subsides.

5. Contact Pinnacle Roofing or a Local Professional Roofing Company

Once you’ve contained the immediate damage, it’s time to call in the experts. Winter roof repairs can be tricky, and it’s best to have a licensed, professional roofing company like Pinnacle Roofing assess the situation.

Why it’s important to call a professional:

  • Safety: Roofing work in winter can be hazardous due to slippery surfaces and extreme cold.
  • Expert diagnosis: A professional can identify the exact cause of the leak, whether it’s due to ice dams, damaged shingles, or flashing issues.
  • Long-term fix: Temporary fixes are just that — temporary. A roofing expert will ensure the underlying problem is resolved and that your roof is properly sealed for the season.

6. Prepare for the Next Storm

Once the leak is fixed, it’s important to take steps to prevent future winter leaks. Here are some tips to help protect your roof from future storms:

  • Schedule a roof inspection: Have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof annually, especially before winter.
  • Maintain proper attic insulation and ventilation: Proper insulation helps regulate temperature in your attic and prevents ice dams.
  • Regularly clean gutters and downspouts: Keep your gutters free of debris to allow water and melting snow to flow freely off the roof.

7. Document the Damage for Insurance Purposes

In the event of significant water damage, it’s important to document everything for insurance purposes. Take photos or videos of the leak and any water damage, and keep a record of the steps you’ve taken to contain it. This will help your insurance company process your claim quickly.

Conclusion

A roof leak during a winter storm is a stressful situation, but by staying calm and taking quick, strategic action, you can minimize damage and prevent further complications. Remember, temporary fixes are just that — temporary. To ensure your roof is in top shape, always consult a professional like Pinnacle Roofing for a permanent solution.

If your roof starts leaking during a winter storm, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact Pinnacle Roofing today for a fast, reliable roof inspection and repair. Stay safe, warm, and dry this winter!

Pinnacle Roofing is GAF Master Elite Two Star President’s Club residential roofing company with over 10+ years of experience operating in central Kentucky. Google Guaranteed. A+ rated by the BBB. Veteran-owned.

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