3 Main Causes of Roof Leaks in the Winter

The winter season may not only have you dealing with several feet of snow; it might also cause some leaks in your roofing. Oftentimes, winter roof leaks are mainly caused by ice dams. But in other cases, the problem could be due to attic condensation or exhaust vent condensation.


Timberland Exteriors, a top-rated expert in roofing and fiber cement siding services, further discusses how these factors can cause roof leaks during winter.

Ice Dams

If your roof lacks proper insulation and ventilation, the warm temperature in your attic can cause condensation. Furthermore, this can also cause the snow on your roof to melt, accumulate in the gutters, and turn into ice dams. When ice dams melt during the daytime and then refreeze at night, the freezing water could possibly back up and seep under the shingles, ultimately causing a leak.


You can stop the leak by removing the snow on your roof and the ice dam. It’s best to leave this job to professionals as they have the right equipment to melt the ice dams safely and avoid any harm to your roof. And to prevent ice dams from causing a roof leak, always make sure that your roof is properly insulated. In a new roof installation project, roofers ensure that there is adequate insulation for the roofing system.

Attic Frost and Condensation

Attic frost is usually the result when warm, moist air comes in contact with the ice-cold roof deck and freezes. That is why you’ll commonly see the frost on the underside of the roof deck. But when the outdoor temperature rises above freezing, this causes the frost to melt. The frost has nowhere else to go but inside your home. This kind of leak isn’t actually a leak, but it’s important to resolve this issue immediately as it can possibly cause damage to your home.

Exhaust Vent Condensation

Frost can sometimes accumulate inside an exhaust vent, which is usually a bath vent duct where frost tends to travel through an unheated attic. Again, this type of leak is not actually a roof leak but a condensation issue. However, to be sure and to properly address the problem, you’ll need an expert to do a thorough inspection of the affected areas.


Timberland Exteriors is committed to providing excellent workmanship and customer satisfaction. From window installation service to roof replacement, you can count on our team to work on your project in an efficient and fastidious manner.


Call us at 651-439-1760 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in Maplewood, MN, and the surrounding communities.

Schedule Your

Free Estimate

Contact Us

Convenient Financing Options

We Make Quality Exterior Remodeling Affordable

Beige soffit and gutters on a brick house with a dark shingled roof against a blue sky.
August 15, 2025
When it comes to roof maintenance, most homeowners focus on shingles, flashing, or gutters. But two of the most critical—yet often overlooked—components are the soffit and fascia. These structural elements play a silent but vital role in maintaining your roof’s integrity, ventilation, and overall curb appeal.
A brick house with a gutter on the side of it
July 18, 2025
Gutters play a critical role in the overall health of your home, protecting both its exterior and the foundation. While they are often overlooked, regular gutter maintenance is essential to ensuring that your home remains safe, dry, and structurally sound.
A white house with black shutters on the windows
June 10, 2025
Getting an instant roof quote can save you time and give you a clearer picture of what to expect when it comes to costs.
May 12, 2025
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, providing protection from the elements and maintaining the integrity of your living space.
Two men are working on the roof of a house.
April 30, 2025
A roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It keeps you protected from the elements and plays a critical role in the overall integrity of your house.
A group of people are standing in front of a house under construction.
May 8, 2024
Preparing your home for a roof installation is a crucial step to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Taking the time to get your home ready can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your roofing project.
A person is opening a window with a white handle.
April 26, 2024
In today’s environment-conscious market, energy-efficient windows have become a core component of home improvement projects, particularly in areas known for their harsh climates, such as Maplewood, MN.
A large white house with a black roof and red shutters
April 22, 2024
As the remnants of winter melt away and the first blooms of spring start gracing us in Maplewood, MN, it’s a signal for many homeowners to start contemplating home improvement projects that were put on hold during the colder months.
A blue house with white trim and a window
April 19, 2024
In the picturesque landscapes of Maplewood, MN, a home’s exterior is the visual handshake it extends to the neighborhood. Maintaining and enhancing the curb appeal of your property is crucial, not only for fostering a sense of pride but also for augmenting the value of your home.
Roof replacement
April 15, 2024
For homeowners in Maplewood, MN, and the surrounding areas, making decisions about roofing can be daunting. There’s a widespread practice known as a “roof-over,” where a new layer of shingles is installed over the existing one, which might seem cost-effective at first glance.
Show More