It is a classic Rhode Island winter pattern: weeks of freezing temperatures followed by a sudden 50-degree day in February. The warm sun feels great, but it is also the moment many homeowners in Woonsocket and Cumberland discover they have a roof problem.
If you notice a new water stain after a warm winter day, it is not random. The February thaw often reveals leaks that were hidden during the deep freeze.
Why the thaw reveals leaks
During January cold snaps, ice can form around flashings, chimneys, skylights, or small cracks in shingles. That ice can act like a temporary plug.
When the February sun hits, the ice melts quickly. Meltwater moves fast, and if it cannot drain cleanly, it finds the easiest path - often under shingles or behind flashing - and into your home.
This is also why some winter leaks show up only during thaws (not during snowstorms). The leak is there, but the “plug” was hiding it.
Common thaw leak spots in Woonsocket and Cumberland
Here are the areas we see most often in northern Rhode Island.
1) Chimney flashing
Chimneys are a top leak source because they interrupt the roof plane and have multiple flashing components.
Freeze-thaw expands and contracts metal and sealants. If caulk is cracked or step flashing is loose, melting snow can run straight into the opening and show up as stains near fireplaces, attic chimneys, or exterior walls.
2) Valleys (high-volume water channels)
Valleys carry a lot of water. In areas like Cumberland Hill, complex rooflines can create long valleys that collect snow and ice.
If valley metal is old, rusted, or improperly detailed, a fast thaw can overwhelm it and push water under shingles.
3) Skylights
Skylights are notorious for winter leaks because they rely on precise flashing and tight seals.
Freeze-thaw can stress seals and expose small gaps. Homeowners often notice drips in kitchens or bathrooms during the first warm day.
Do not wait for spring rain
If you see a new stain after a warm winter day, do not ignore it.
The water that caused the stain may still be in insulation, drywall, or framing. That trapped moisture can lead to mold and can make the next storm much worse.
What to do if you see a stain today
- Take a photo of the stain and note the date and weather
- Check the attic (if safe) for wet insulation or active dripping
- Do not poke holes in drywall unless advised by a professional
- Schedule an inspection to identify the entry point
How Mighty Dog Roofing helps in northern RI
Our team is in Woonsocket and Cumberland every week performing no-obligation inspections to catch thaw leaks before spring rains.
We focus on finding the true entry point (often not directly above the stain) and documenting conditions so you can make a clear repair decision.
Call/text (401) 425-4108.
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyoming
FAQ
Why is my roof leaking in winter?
Winter leaks are often caused by ice dams melting and backing water up under shingles, or by ice temporarily plugging a small opening around flashing or a shingle crack. When temperatures rise, the ice melts and water can enter.
Who fixes winter roof leaks in Woonsocket, RI?
Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island provides winter leak detection and repair for Woonsocket homeowners, with inspections designed to locate the source without unnecessary roof damage. Call/text (401) 425-4108.