Winter weather brings more than just freezing temps and slippery sidewalks—it brings serious risks to your roofing system. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof, leading to costly leaks, structural damage, and even safety concerns inside your building.
Whether your roof is metal, TPO, tile, or asphalt shingle, cold-weather issues like ice dams, clogged gutters, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage if left unchecked. That’s why it’s critical to understand how winter affects your roof—and what you can do to prevent problems before they start.
Let’s break down how snow and ice can cause roof leaks and what proactive steps you can take to keep your commercial or institutional property safe, dry, and protected all winter long.
How Snow and Ice Cause Roof Leaks
Winter-related roof issues can affect all types of roofing systems, and they often happen when small, preventable problems go unnoticed until the damage is done. Here are the most common issues:
Ice Damming
Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm section of the roof—usually above the attic—then refreezes at the colder edge of the roof or in the gutters. Over time, this creates a thick ridge of ice that traps water behind it. With nowhere to go, the water seeps under shingles or flashing and leaks into the building.
Inadequate Attic Ventilation
Poor attic ventilation contributes directly to ice damming by allowing heat to build up under the roof. This warm air causes uneven melting and can warp roofing materials, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Cold temperatures make roofing materials brittle. Shingles that were already loose or worn are more likely to crack, shift, or fall off during winter, leaving vulnerable areas where snowmelt can seep in.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
When gutters are filled with leaves or debris, melting snow and ice have nowhere to drain. Water backs up and may leak under the roofline or spill over, causing ice to build up on sidewalks or landscaping—creating a safety hazard.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing seals the joints and seams around vents, chimneys, and roof edges. If it’s already damaged or poorly installed, water from melting snow can infiltrate easily, leading to leaks inside your building.
Heavy Snow Loads
Commercial and flat roofs are especially vulnerable to excessive snow loads. Too much weight can lead to structural stress, sagging, or even collapse in extreme cases—especially if water gets trapped beneath layers of ice and snow.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
As temperatures swing above and below freezing, snowmelt refreezes overnight. This constant expansion and contraction can weaken roof materials and open up small gaps that let water in.
5 Ways to Prevent Snow and Ice-Related Roof Leaks
Preventing winter roof leaks starts long before the first snowfall. Here are practical ways to defend your building against cold-weather damage:
1. Schedule a Roof Inspection Before Winter
A professional inspection in late fall is your best defense against winter leaks. At Next Phase Roofing, we look for worn-out shingles, loose flashing, deteriorated sealants, and other potential problem areas. Catching these early can save thousands in future repairs.
2. Ensure Proper Roofing Installation
The integrity of your roof is only as good as its installation. A properly installed roofing system—complete with the right underlayment, flashing, and ventilation—will stand up to winter’s harshest conditions. If you’re unsure about your roof’s quality, we’re here to evaluate and advise.
3. Use a Roof Rake
After heavy snowfall, using a roof rake to remove snow from the roof’s edge can prevent ice dams from forming. This is especially helpful for low-slope or multi-level roofs where snow accumulates quickly.
4. Keep Your Attic Cool
Ironically, a warm attic is a bad sign in winter. You want your attic temperature to stay close to the outdoor temperature to avoid uneven snow melt. Good insulation and proper ventilation are key to keeping your attic cool and preventing ice damming.
5. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutter cleaning should be part of your fall maintenance routine. Clear gutters ensure that melting snow can drain freely away from your building’s foundation and roofing system, reducing the risk of ice buildup and overflow.
Key Takeaways
Snow and ice may be part of winter’s charm, but they’re also among the biggest threats to your roofing system. From ice damming and damaged flashing to clogged gutters and heavy snow loads, winter weather brings a long list of risks that can lead to roof leaks and costly repairs.
With the right preparation and a trusted partner, these problems are entirely preventable. At Next Phase Roofing, we specialize in inspecting and protecting roofs for schools, churches, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings. Our expert team identifies issues before they become emergencies and ensures your building stays leak-free through the coldest months of the year.
Whether you need a pre-winter inspection, damage analysis, or repairs after a storm, we’re your turn-key solution for durable, dependable roofing—no matter the season. Contact us to schedule your winter roof inspection today or call us at 405-500-7663.
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