The winter season is upon us; we all know how brutal it can be in Washington’s Tri-Cities and Walla Walla region. With the first freeze starting in October and lasting through April, along with an average of over nine inches of seasonal snow, our homes take quite the beating throughout the winter. Rather than waiting for a problem to occur, which can result in costly repairs, we want to stop problems before they happen. To do that, we are taking an in-depth look at the five most common causes of roof leaks in winter and how the Roof Maxx treatment can prevent leaks and extend roof life.
5 Common Causes of Roof Leaks in Winter:
We have seen it all as local roofing experts who have helped hundreds of homeowners throughout the years. From raccoons digging their way into an attic to saplings growing out of the gutters, there is a vast array of problems that happen to one’s roof. Despite this, patterns demonstrate that some problems occur the most often, with many homeowners facing these same dilemmas. Let’s dive into the five most common causes of roof leaks in winter!
#1: Cracked or Dried-Out Shingles
As shingles age, they are exposed to environmental and human damage. From the blazing sun and the high winds to flying debris and human-initiated damage, shingles will slowly wear out. Cold weather, in particular, significantly exacerbates shingle cracking and drying, creating openings for water infiltration.
Even if your roof is in good shape, a few damaged or dried-out shingles can let water seep through. All it takes is one missing shingle, a crack, or even missing granules to let water sneak under the roof’s protection. Fortunately, Roof Maxx’s shingle repair and treatment services can replace, revitalize, and seal your shingles to prevent damage during the winter.
With our service, you get a roof tune-up to address those damaged shingles and the Roof Maxx Treatment, which returns your roof’s flexibility and waterproofing protection within 72 hours.
#2: Ice Dams
Ice dams are the thick ridges of ice that amass on the edge of your roof. This phenomenon occurs when snow or ice begins to melt on a warmer area of the roof (such as a roof peek where the sun shines), causing it to slide down the roof; however, when it reaches colder eaves, it refreezes rather than dispersing into the gutter system.
When ice dams occur, they create a solid barrier where water cannot pass, forcing water to be pushed back up the roof and pool under shingles. This, in turn, can cause significant damage to your shingles, gutter system, and the structure of your roof if it forces a leak.
While the Roof Maxx Treatment doesn’t prevent ice dams from occurring, rejuvenating shingles with the treatment can help maintain their integrity and resilience against ice damage.
#3: Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Similar to how ice dams create a wall where water cannot pass, the same phenomenon can happen when one’s gutter system gets clogged. Whether due to an accumulation of leaves, debris, dirt, or pest nests, a clogged gutter system will force the water to back up. Having nowhere to go, this backup of water can seep into the roof structure and cause extensive structural damage or initiate the accumulation of dangerous icicles.
The best course of action to prevent this common cause of roof leaks in winter is to clear your gutter system at least bi-annually, especially prior to the start of the cold season. Homeowners can often complete this home maintenance task independently or hire a company that performs gutter cleaning services.
However, heavy storms and long winters can often make it challenging to keep gutters pristine. An incredibly windy week can pile the leaves in your gutter system before you know it, especially if you have open gutters without guards. By completing a Roof Maxx Treatment before winter, should there be a clogged gutter backup, Roof Maxx-treated shingles can reduce vulnerability to water damage.
#4: Flashing Damage
Just like any other external roofing component, your flashing is susceptible to regular wear and tear and unexpected damage. Unfortunately, damaged or corroded flashing around vents, chimneys, or skylights can allow water to sneak through, creating leaks into the interior of the home. Typically, this results in damage to one’s roofing structure, insulation, and interior ceilings and walls.
The best course of action to negate this issue is to prevent it from happening in the first place because waiting for “signs” of flashing damage usually means you’ve already accumulated a high cost of repair. To ensure your flashing is in good shape, we suggest inspecting these areas regularly and addressing gaps with professional services like us at Roof Maxx of the Tri-Cities.
#5: Poor Roof Ventilation:
Often forgotten about, another common cause for roofing in winter is poor roof ventilation. Roof ventilation is your roof’s system of air intake and exhaust methods to craft air circulation. As you know, hot air rises, pushing into your attic and roof. Should there be a lack of proper ventilation, that hot air can get trapped, causing moisture buildup. Such moisture buildup then leads to a host of problems, including mold and mildew buildup, ice dam creation, roof rot, and more.
Therefore, as a homeowner, it is vital to craft a healthy roof system before it is too late. For example, if your home is experiencing poor roof ventilation, you may want to consider solar fans or another form of ventilation. At Roof Maxx of the Tri-Cities, we can provide you with a detailed inspection and recommendation on how to get your roof system up to tip-top shape.
How Roof Maxx Treatment Helps Prevent Roof Leaks in Winter
The Roof Maxx treatment is a plant-based, bio-oil formula that penetrates asphalt shingles, restoring flexibility and sealing potential openings. Similar to the soy technology used in Good Year tires, the Roof Maxx Treatment is a bio-solution product that was created in coordination with the Ohio Soybean Council to restore the flexibility, durability, and permeability of a shingle’s integrity close to that of a brand new shingle!
Whether due to natural wear and tear, harsh environmental conditions, or external damage, the Roof Maxx Treatment can address brittle shingles that have lost their essential oils. Much like how a facial can make one’s skin feel dewy and refreshed, the Roof Maxx treatment revives the shingles from the inside out.
However, unlike how a facial only lasts for a few days, the Roof Maxx treatment has the ability to extend roof life by up to five years! On top of that, you have the opportunity to reapply the treatment up to three times, which translates to extending the life of your roof for up to fifteen years.
Given that most asphalt shingle roofs only last 20 years on average, you could nearly double the lifespan of your roof for a fraction of the cost – saving you money, reducing your environmental impact, and minimizing disruption to your daily life. On top of that, it provides a valuable asset to your home value, making your home more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell.
Why Choose Roof Maxx of Tri-Cities for Winter Roof Maintenance?
As locals of the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla ourselves, we understand how taxing the winter season can be here. We don’t want homeowners to face costly and scary winter roofing problems, which is why we encourage our clients to take a proactive approach to preventing roof leaks in winter before they happen. By taking the time to address small issues before they escalate, you can save yourself from the heartache of costly problems during the winter months.
Curious how you can protect your roof all year long? When you work with us at Roof Maxx of the Tri-Cities, our team has extensive expertise in roof rejuvenation and shingle repair. With our services, we offer a free detailed inspection so you can know your options and craft a plan that best works for your home and family. During your inspection, we take pictures of any potential concerns, provide repair solutions, and get you scheduled at a time that works best for you.
Next, we complete your roof maintenance tune-up. Here, we focus on your roofing system as a whole, with a focus on the flashing and vents (the most leak-prone areas of your roof). During our tune-up, we will also replace missing shingles, seal up exposed nails, and replace failed and worn-out gaskets should you need them.
Then, it’s onto the Roof Maxx treatment itself. Our roof treatment is quick, clean, and 100% safe, typically taking less than two hours to apply. Within 72 hours, your roof’s flexibility and waterproofing protection will return, giving you the armor you need to take on winter at its worst.
Don’t wait until a roof leak happens to take action. Contact Roof Maxx of Tri-Cities and Walla Walla today to learn how our rejuvenation treatments can protect your roof and save you money.
