Common Winter Roof Leaks in Richmond Hill & How Asphalt & Metal Roofs Handle Them

Have you noticed that a ceiling stain seems to be getting darker after a rainy week? If so, you’re most likely not imagining things. In Richmond Hill, Georgia, winter weather has a way of exposing roofing problems fast. Between steady rain, windy fronts, and damp air, small weak spots can turn into dripping water inside your home. That’s why Richmond Hill homeowners often start searching for roof leak repair services during the colder months.

Even a roof that “seems fine” can leak when winter storms hit. The good news is that most leaks come from a few common areas, and catching them early can save you from bigger repairs later.

The Most Common Winter Roof Leak Sources

Many winter roof leaks in Georgia aren’t caused by one huge failure. They usually come from aging materials or weak points where water finds a path inside.

Some common winter roof leak causes include:

Flashing Problems Around Vents & Chimneys

Flashing is the thin metal that seals roof edges and roof openings like pipes, vents, chimneys, and skylights. Over time, flashing can loosen, rust, or separate from the roof as caulk dries out and cracks. When rain gets pushed by wind, it can slide right into those gaps. If you’re seeing stains near bathrooms or around fireplaces, flashing is often the culprit.

Aging Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles take a beating over the years. Sun, heat, and storms can cause them to crack, curl, or lose granules. Winter rain then has an easier time working under the shingle surface—especially if shingles aren’t sealing tightly anymore.

Poor Drainage & Water Backup

Winter is also when roof drainage issues show up. Leaves can clog gutters, valleys can hold debris, and low spots can trap water. When water doesn’t drain well, it sits longer and increases the chance of moisture slipping under shingles or around flashing.

Asphalt vs. Metal: Which Roof Resists Leaks Better?

Both asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems can work well in Richmond Hill, Georgia, but they handle water differently.

Asphalt shingles rely on layered protection. They’re designed to shed water as it runs down the slope, but they can become leak-prone when:

• Shingles age and lose flexibility
• Wind lifts edges and breaks shingle seals
• Roof valleys wear down from heavy runoff
• Flashing or pipe boots start failing

Because asphalt has multiple “overlap points,” a small weak area can slowly let water in without obvious signs until your ceiling shows it.

Metal roofing sheds water quickly, and it doesn’t absorb moisture the way other materials can. That makes it a strong option during long rainy stretches. Still, metal roofs can leak if the installation isn’t done right.

Metal leak risks usually come from:

• Seams and transitions that weren’t properly sealed
• Penetrations like vents and skylights
• Fasteners loosening over time (in exposed-fastener systems)

A professionally installed system with the right components can reduce leak risks.

Premium Roofing Options for Richmond Hill Homeowners

If repairs keep popping up, it may be time to look at longer-term solutions. JW Roofing helps local homeowners decide what’s best based on their home, goals, and budget.

For those who prefer asphalt roofing, we offer the GAF Timberline HDZ® asphalt shingle roofing system with patented LayerLock™ Technology, designed to help prevent leaks by creating a more secure, locked-in installation. We also stand behind our work with a GAF Silver Pledge warranty, providing up to 10 years of workmanship coverage.

We also install four metal roofing styles:

• Metal shingles/slate
• Metal tile
• Metal shake
• Vertical panels

Financing options are available, and we’ll walk you through the pros and cons so you can make a confident choice.

Schedule Roof Leak Repairs in Richmond Hill, GA

Leaks rarely stay small in winter. If you’re dealing with drips, stains, or attic moisture, it’s time to schedule roof leak repairs at your Richmond Hill, GA, home.  

Reach out to JW Roofing today so we can find the source of the leak and make sure your home is protected.