How Snow Causes Leaks & What to Do Before a Roof Replacement in Colorado Springs

Winter brings beautiful snow falls to Colorado Springs, but along with that beauty comes potential problems for your roof. Snow accumulation on your roof may look picturesque, but when that snow starts to melt and refreeze, it can lead to serious roof leaks that may damage your home. If you’ve noticed leaks after a snowfall, it’s crucial to take immediate action. In this blog, we’ll explore how snow causes roof leaks and provide practical solutions to repair the damage until you can arrange a full roof replacement.

How Snow Causes Roof Leaks

Snow itself isn’t what causes leaks; the real culprit is the ice dams that form as snow melts and refreezes. Here’s how it happens:

• Snow Accumulation: As snow piles up on your roof, heat from your attic causes it to melt.
• Ice Dams Form: Melted snow flows to the edges of your roof, where the temperatures are colder, causing the water to refreeze. This leads to ice dams—thick ridges of ice that block water from draining properly.
• Water Infiltration: As water builds up behind the ice dam, it seeps under your shingles, potentially causing leaks that can damage your roof, attic, and interior spaces.

These leaks can quickly lead to water damage inside your home, making it essential to address the issue before it worsens.

Temporary Roof Leak Repair Solutions

Before a full roof replacement becomes necessary, there are a few temporary fixes you can implement to prevent further damage. If you’re searching for roof leak repair near you in Colorado Springs, these quick solutions will help manage the issue until a professional can take a closer look:

1. Remove Snow from Your Roof

To reduce the risk of ice dams forming, removing excess snow from your roof is a good first step.

• Use a Roof Rake: A roof rake allows you to pull snow off the roof from the ground, preventing dangerous buildup. Focus on removing snow from the lower sections of the roof to allow proper drainage.
• Safety Tip: Avoid climbing on the roof during icy conditions. If you’re uncomfortable or your roof is steep, it’s best to call a professional.

2. Melt Ice Dams

If ice dams have already formed, melting them can help prevent additional water from seeping under your shingles.

• Heated Cables: Installing heated cables along the roof’s edge and valleys can also help melt snow and ice, preventing future ice dams from forming. This is a more permanent solution to reduce winter roof leaks.

3. Permanent Roof Repairs

While addressing snow and ice buildup is a critical first step, long-term solutions are essential to prevent ongoing damage and leaks. At Pierce Roofing, we provide permanent roof repair services during winter, including clearing snow and repairing roof damage caused by winter conditions. Here’s how we handle these situations:

• Snow and Ice Removal: Our team can safely remove snow and ice dams from your roof to prevent further damage. Using specialized tools and techniques, we ensure your roof remains safe and functional throughout the winter.
• Roof Repair Services: For leaks caused by winter weather, Pierce Roofing offers permanent repair solutions, such as replacing damaged shingles, repairing flashing, and sealing leaks properly to restore the integrity of your roof.

Whether you’re dealing with snow accumulation, ice dams, or existing roof damage, Pierce Roofing is equipped to provide comprehensive repair services that protect your home all season long. Contact us for professional assistance and let our experts secure your roof against the harsh winter weather.

4. Enhance Roof Ventilation and Insulation

Improper insulation and ventilation in your attic can exacerbate the problem by causing uneven heating across your roof, which contributes to ice dam formation.

• Add Insulation: Improving your attic’s insulation helps prevent heat from escaping and melting snow on the roof, reducing the risk of ice dams.
• Install Ventilation: Ensure your attic has proper ventilation to maintain a consistent roof temperature. Ridge vents and soffit vents are effective solutions for keeping your attic and roof well-ventilated.

When to Call a Professional for Roof Leak Repair

Temporary fixes can only go so far. For a long-term solution, you’ll need to contact a roofing professional for a more thorough inspection and repair. If you’re in Colorado Springs and need roof leak repair near you, a local roofer like Pierce Roofing can assess the damage and determine the best course of action—whether it’s a simple repair or a full roof replacement.

• Roof Replacement: If your roof is older or severely damaged, a replacement may be necessary. New roofing materials offer better protection against snow and ice, preventing future leaks.
• Roof Repairs: If the damage is minimal or localized, roof repairs can restore the integrity of your roof without the need for a full replacement.

Protect Your Roof from Snow Damage

Being proactive is the best way to prevent snow-related roof leaks. Here are a few preventative steps you can take to protect your home:

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your roof inspected annually, especially before winter. A professional can identify potential weak points and recommend repairs before leaks occur.
• Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can exacerbate ice dams by blocking water flow. Clean them regularly to ensure water drains properly from your roof.
• Maintain Attic Insulation: Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic will help prevent uneven snowmelt and ice dam formation, reducing the risk of leaks.

Stay Ahead of Winter Roof Leaks

Snow and ice can cause significant problems for your roof, but with the right preventative measures and temporary fixes, you can minimize damage until you can schedule a more permanent repair or replacement. If you’re experiencing roof leaks and need roof leak repair near you in Colorado Springs, contact Pierce Roofing today. Our team of roofing experts is ready to provide quick and reliable solutions to keep your home safe and dry through the winter.

Reach out for a free roof inspection and let us help you protect your home from winter weather hazards.