One easy way to spot a possible roof leak in your home? Look for icicles! If you notice icicles hanging from your gutters, it could mean that you have an ice dam that has formed on your roof. Ice dams can trap water underneath your shingles, which will eventually cause a leak.
Ice dams are a prevalent cause of roof leaks in Louisville. Rest assured, while an ice dam is something that needs immediate attention, it does not always mean you need a roof replacement. Often roof leaks, especially when caught early on, can be repaired.
At AIC Roofing, we provide our customers with a best-in-class roofing experience. Our goal is to exceed your expectations before, during, and after your roofing project. As part of our mission, we want homeowners to feel knowledgeable about their roofing system, so we openly and honestly answer common questions from homeowners that most roofing companies won’t.
In this article, we’ll explain the following:
· What an ice dam is
· How an ice dam forms
· How to spot an ice dam
· How to spot a general roof leak
· How to fix a roof leak
What are ice dams?
Ice dams form when snowmelt from further up on your roof cannot drain into your gutters because of frozen snow/ice at the eaves of your roof. Without proper snow and ice removal, this build-up can become very large and cause icicles to form, completely blocking water runoff from your roof.
When melting snow and ice cannot drain off your roof and becomes trapped on it, it can cause a leak. Anytime water ‘stands’ or is trapped on your roof for long periods, there is an increased risk of a leak. If you notice ceiling stains, sagging ceilings, mold or mildew in your attic, or even a mildew-like smell – a roof leak could be the culprit.
How does ice damming form?
Ice damming typically forms on your roof through this process:
· Rising hot air melts the snow and ice on the top of your roof
· The melted water passes over the eaves and begins to freeze again
· There is a ‘snowball’ effect where more and more water freezes together, forming a large ice dam becomes along the eaves of your roof
· Melting water is unable to drain and is trapped by the ice dam
· Eventually, the water will penetrate underneath the shingles, causing a leak and, ultimately, water damage.
How can you prevent ice dams?
Preventing ice dams starts with regular roof maintenance. This includes:
· Cleaning your gutters after the leaves have fallen. Debris in gutters contributes significantly to ice dam formation.
· Getting your roof inspected annually. Annual inspections help identify issues that make your roof more prone to ice dams or leaks, such as missing shingles, rusted nails, or loose nails. Roof inspections are free (at least with AIC Roofing and Construction!) and should be part of your yearly home maintenance checklist.
Maintenance isn’t the only way to prevent ice dams and roof leaks. Other items to consider include:
· Adding attic insulation to reduce heat escaping. Proper insulation slows snow from melting too quickly on your roof.
· Ensuring proper roof ventilation. When ridge vents are paired with soffit vents, cold air circulates under the roof, maintaining consistent attic ventilation.
· Protecting your roof with an ice and water shield. In Louisville, these shields are required by building code. If your roof is over 20 years old, you may not have one. Ice and water shields are rubberized membranes that form a moisture-tight barrier around shingle nails. They help prevent leaks, though they don’t stop ice damming.
A professional roofer can install ice and water shields without replacing the entire roof. However, if your roof is over 20 years old and leaking, adding a shield may only be a temporary fix. In that case, a roof replacement may be the most cost-effective solution.
Do you have a roof leak?
If you notice icicles hanging from your gutters, consider it a red flag. Inspect your home immediately to prevent costly damage. You can also look for other signs of roof leaks, including:
· Ceiling stains: These are the most common sign of a roof leak. A brown stain on your ceiling or around lights often indicates water intrusion from your roof.
· Sagging ceiling: A sagging ceiling can signal an advanced roof leak. Water damage may cause the ceiling to collapse if you don’t address it quickly.
· Wall stains: Less common than ceiling stains, wall stains still indicate potential roof leaks. Water can enter from roof eaves or clogged gutters, damaging fascia boards and walls over time.
· Mold or mildew: Check for visible mold or mildew growth in your home.
· Odor: Act quickly if you notice a moldy or musty smell. Roof leaks often cause mold or mildew, especially in attics, siding, or around windows.
· Ice dams: Ice dams trap water on your roof, eventually causing leaks and damage to your roof and home.
Next steps – fixing your roof leak
If you notice a leak or icicles forming on your roof, have a top-rated roofing company inspect it. Finding a trustworthy Louisville roofing contractor can be tricky, but we outline essential tips, questions to ask, and red flags to watch for here. Roof inspections are free and come with no obligation. If the inspector finds an issue, you can request multiple bids. We recommend collecting 2–3 bids before hiring a roofing company to ensure a fair assessment and price.
Roof leaks don’t always mean your home needs a total roof replacement. Often a professional roofer can easily repair leaks. If there aren’t issues like old age or something systematic, they can replace the affected shingles, and a roofing team can install an ice and water shield if necessary. Don’t let a few hundred dollars in repairs cost you thousands in water damage and mold remediation.
AIC Roofing and Construction has served the Central Kentucky community since 2003. We are in the top 2% of roofing contractors in North America to obtain the GAF MasterElite certification and are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor. If you’re looking for a top-rated Louisville roofing company – we’d love to see if we would be a good fit for your project. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection.