Melting Snow and Leaking Roofs: Why Your Attic is the Culprit
If you've noticed water staining on your ceiling during a warm spell in February or March, you aren't alone. Many homeowners in our region assume their roof is failing, but the real issue is often an ice dam.
In Canada, our roofs face a unique struggle. When heat escapes from your living space into the attic, it warms the underside of the roof deck. This melts the bottom layer of snow, which then trickles down to the eaves. Because the eaves overhang the exterior walls, they remain freezing cold. The water refreezes, forming a dam that blocks drainage and forces water back up under your shingles and into your home.
The Solution: It isn't always about the shingles; it's about attic ventilation and insulation. Proper soffit venting and maintaining a "cold roof" temperature are the best defences against ice damming. If your attic isn't properly insulated, that heat is escaping and causing internal damage.
Don't wait for the next thaw. Is your attic properly ventilated for our Ontario climate?
Book an Attic Health Assessment