Rain in Avon, Snow on the Peaks: Find Roof Leaks Now, Before Winter Does

Colder air and steady rain moved onto the Western Slope on Monday, September 28. Forecasters expect up to an inch of rain in the central mountains through Wednesday night, snow on the high peaks, and a snow level that could fall toward 10,000 feet later in the week. The National Weather Service put Eagle County at a marginal risk of flash flooding for Monday. After that, the forecast turns sunny and dry through mid-October. For Avon homeowners, this week’s rain is a free leak test, and the dry stretch behind it is the repair window. A roof leak found now is a small job. The same leak found in January, under two feet of snow, often ends in water damage restoration.

This guide covers where to look during the rain, what to fix in the dry weeks that follow, and what to do if water is already coming in.

Where roofs leak first

• Flashing. Around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and where a roof meets a wall.
• Valleys. They carry the most water and collect the most debris.
• Gutters and downspouts. After a dry, dusty summer they are packed with needles and grit.
• Heat cable. Damaged or unplugged cable does nothing to stop ice dams.
• Flat roofs and deck membranes. Common on Avon condos and townhomes, and dependent on drains that clog.

What to check while it is raining

1. Go into the attic with a flashlight. Look for drips, dark stains on the sheathing, and wet insulation.
2. Look at ceilings and the tops of exterior walls for new stains or bubbling paint.
3. Watch the gutters. Water pouring over the edge means a clog.
4. Check window and door heads on the side facing the weather.
5. Walk the foundation and note where water is pooling.

What to fix in the dry window

1. Clean gutters and downspouts and add extensions where water pooled.
2. Repair or reseal flashing. Hire a roofer for anything steep or high.
3. Replace damaged or missing shingles.
4. Test heat cable before it is buried.
5. Check attic insulation and ventilation. A warm attic is what causes ice dams.
6. Clear the drains on flat roofs and decks.

If water is already coming in

1. Catch it. Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture and rugs.
2. Relieve a bulging ceiling. Poke a small hole at the lowest point and drain it into a bucket, so the ceiling does not come down on its own.
3. Photograph the damage.
4. Have the roof tarped by a professional if the leak is active.
5. Call for drying. Wet insulation and drywall do not dry out in place.

What DRS does on site

Our Eagle County crews respond 24/7. A roof leak call in Avon typically includes:

• Emergency tarping and water extraction
• Moisture mapping of ceilings, walls, and attic insulation
• Removal of wet insulation and drywall that cannot be saved
• Structural drying and mold remediation where needed
• Documentation for your insurer

Common mistakes Avon homeowners make

• Painting over a stain without finding the source.
• Putting the repair off until spring. Snow load and ice dams make every leak worse.
• Climbing on a wet roof. Check from the attic and from the ground.
• Assuming the HOA has it handled. In a condo or townhome, find out who is responsible for the roof and report leaks in writing.

When to call a pro versus handle it yourself

Gutter cleaning on a single-story roof and a look through the attic are jobs most homeowners can do. Flashing, steep roofs, and anything that has already wet the ceiling or insulation should go to professionals.

If this week’s rain found a leak, we can dry it out before winter. See how we serve Avon or request an inspection.