01/15/2024
January Winter Storm: Common Leak Points
This storm is causing problems all across the United States and namely in my neck of the woods in the Southern USA. Obviously massive amounts of winter weather like this causes problems up North as well, but frankly down here we aren't nearly as prepared as our Northern counterparts. The IBC codes (International Code Council) adopted in the North are more geared toward leak prevention from ice dams than ours in the South.
With that being said, here are a few areas to check for leaks as the snow melts.
1. Valleys: roof valleys are especially susceptible to roof leaks during snowstorms and freezing weather and even more so on older roofing systems. Debris in valleys such as sticks and leaves create a dam like structure that causes water to back up rather than continuing to run down the valley and off the roof, the same thing happens with a big snow storm. With below freezing temps this water freezes and expands. When it melts, it can seep through the valley, find its way into nail holes, and eventually flow into your home and cause damage to your ceilings.
2. Pipe Boots/Roof Vents: pipe boots, roof vents, and other roof penetrations are common leak points as well and it's pretty easy to tell if your boots or vents are causing leaks since the water stains are typically directly on the sheetrock under them. Why do these leak? Well, these boots and vents aren't meant to last forever and every now and then the nails will back out of them, the metal or plastic will deteriorate, or the seals will break.
3. Ridge Vent/Ridge: "Parks, you said roof vents on the last point" - sure did, and now I'm saying it again. I'm making the distinction between standalone roof vents like power vents and ridge vents because their leak profiles are a little different. If your ridge or ridge vent are leaking it can be a little harder to tell since the water could be running from the ridge down to other areas of your roof, whereas with pipe boots and roof vents the water damage is typically a little more localized. You can identify these ridge leaks by looking into your attic then checking the roof for additional damage. They are typically caused by nails backing out of the roof or by water entering through the ridge vent.
4. Eaves: eaves are the lowest portion of your roof and run parallel to the ground. Snow and ice will build up on these areas during freezing weather. Here's how leaks occur on your eaves:
- Entire roof gets covered in snow and ice
- Roof begins to thaw from the top down
- Water runs down to the eaves
- Ice dam on eaves prevents water from flowing over the shingles
- Water has to go somewhere and finds its way under the shingles and into your house
Tips:
- Start looking for leaks as soon as the snow/ice starts melting
- Call Cool Roofs to inspect and repair the roof
If we catch the leak before the next big storm we can prevent any additional damage from occurring.
Have fun and stay warm!
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