How to fix mobile home roof leaks during Michigan Winters

Winter in Michigan is no joke, especially when dealing with a leaking mobile home roof. Cold temps, snow and ice make it harder to patch up things. Whether it’s small drip or a full on damage to your roof, leaks during freezing weather can quickly turn into major problems if untreated. 

That is why mobile home roof leak repair in the winter takes a different approach then more while fixes. You’ll need the right products, the right process, and a little know how to stop the damage before it spreads.

In this post, we will walk you through how to spot leaks, what materials actually work in freezing temps, and when to call out a pro. This guy is perfect for homeowners in cold climate who need to handle mobile home roof leak repair in the winter before the next snowstorm hits.

Why mobile home roofs leak in the winter 

Mobile homes are more vulnerable to roof leak than traditional homes for a few reasons.

• Flat or pitch roofs hold no longer
• Metal or rubber membranes can track or shift when freezing or thaw cycles
• Old sealants around the vents and seems can dry out and fail
• Ice dams trap water that finds its way inside

If your roof isn’t sealed tight, Michigan’s brutal winters will find the weak spots.

Signs of a roof leak in winter

Keep an eye out for these warning signs

• Water stains on your ceilings and walls
• Dripping water inside your home, especially check near your vents and light fixtures
• Bubbling, paint or soft drywall
• Musty or moldy smell in your insulation or ceiling panels
• What is installation in your attic?

If you notice any of these act fast. Even a small leak can turn into a major damage in just a few days.

Safety first can you repair a roof leak in winter?

Yes, but you will need to be smart about it.

Here’s one it’s OK to DIY

• When the leak is small and you can access it safely
• When the roof is dry, and the weather is above 25°F
• You have the right sealant for cold weather use

Here’s one to call a pro

• When you have a steep or icy roof
• Water is leaking into electrical areas
• When you can’t find the exact source of the leak
• The inside damage is already spreading

If you’re not sure, call a professional. It’s not worth slipping on an ice roof just to save a few dollars.

Step-by-step temporary winter roof leak repair for mobile homes

If you’re dealing with a small leak and it’s safe to get up on the roof, here’s how to patch it yourself.

Pinpoint the leak

• Check where the leak is showing up inside the home
• Go directly above the area on the roof
• Look for obvious signs such as cracks and holes, separated, sea, damaged, flashing, puncture from branches or ice

Tip: using a hose or a warm water if possible to stimulate melting snow, and trace the leak path.

Clear, snow and ice

• Use a plastic shovel or a roof rake to gently remove snow
• Don’t chop ice with sharp tools it will puncture the roof
• If needed, use calcium chloride ice melt don’t ever use rock salt to loosen ice safe safely

Clean and dry the area

• Use rags, towels, or a heat gun to dry the area
• Roof patch products won’t stick to wet or icy surfaces
• Use rubbing alcohol or isotonic to clean around the damaged area

Applied cold, weather, roof, sealant or patch

Use the product rated for winter temps like:

• Through the roof by Sashco
• Henry’s wet, patch roof cement
• Flexseal or sealant tape for rubber roofs

These products are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s or Amazon, but check the label for minimum application temperature.

• Apply a generous layer over the leak, covering at least 2 to 3 inches around the crack.
• From Roger holes, use roof repair fabric or a patch kit with a sealing compound.

Monitor and recheck after the next snowfall

After the next freeze thaw cycle or snowstorm

• Check the patched area
• Inspected inside the home for any moisture or new leaks
• Reapply if needed

What if you can’t patch it? Use a tarp

If your roof is too icy or damage to repair, use a heavy duty waterproof tarp:

• Stretch it tightly over the leak area
• Anchor it down with 2 x 4, or roof nails or bricks
• Use a bungee cord if the edges are not securing

It isn’t pretty, but it will protect your home until it’s warm enough for a proper fix.

Prominent roof leak repair what to do after winter

Once Michigan thaws out, it is time to fix it, right. 

Here’s what a proper mobile home roof repair usually includes:

• resealing all the seams in vents
• Patching, soft spots or rotted wood
• Replacing rubber or metal roof panels
• Installing a roof over system – this is if the damage is severe

Mobile home roof systems like TPO, rubber may membrane, or metal panels can last 20+ years when installed properly and many are built to resist snow loads.

Always follow the manufacturers instructions and double check the weather conditions before applying anything.

Preventing roof leaks in the future

• Inspect your roof every fallen spring
• Recall your roof every 3 to 5 years
• You got her extensions and heat cables to prevent ice stamps. Gutter cleaning is also recommended.
• Clear off heavy snow after big storms
• Seal around vent pipes and skylights

Small cracks today expensive water damage tomorrow so stay ahead of it.

Need help fixing your mobile home roof this winter

Michigan winters don’t play around. If you have a roof leak and it’s too cold, too risky or too late to DIY. We are here to help.

We handle: 

• Emergency roof patches
• Snow removal
• Mobile home roof repair and replacement
• Spring inspection and upgrades

Final thoughts 

Fixing a mobile home roof leak during a Michigan winter is no joke, but it can be done if you act fast and use the right materials. Whether you want to yourself, the key is to stop the water before it spreads.

Stay warm, stay dry and stay out of those leaks.