As temperatures drop and snow begins to pile up, your roof faces one of its toughest tests of the year. Winter weather can take a serious toll, causing leaks, ice dams, and even structural damage if not addressed. Fortunately, with a little preparation and maintenance, you can protect your roof from the worst that winter has to offer.
1. Watch Out for Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat from your home escapes into the attic and melts the snow on your roof, which then runs down your roof then refreezes along the eaves. This creates a barrier that traps melting water, allowing it to seep under shingles and into your attic and cause leaks into ceilings, walls, and insulation.
Prevention Tips
Keep your attic properly insulated and ventilated to maintain a consistent temperature across the roof. Caulk or use spray foam to seal any gaps where warm air can leak into the attic from the living space below, and make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
You can also use heat cables along the edges to help melt ice buildup safely.
2. Clear Snow Before It Builds Up
A heavy snow load can stress your roof’s structure and even cause sagging or collapse in extreme cases. If your roof is already poorly constructed or has poor drainage, it could crack or sag, even under light loads of snow.
Prevention Tips
Use a roof rake or hire a professional to safely remove excess snow, especially after large storms. Never use metal tools that could damage shingles. Additionally, monitor your walls for new cracks, sagging drywall, or popping sounds, as these could indicate roof stress.
3. Inspect Flashing and Gutters
Flashing and gutters play a critical role in directing water away from your home and protecting important roof features, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights. Cracked flashing or clogged gutters can lead to leaks, water pooling, and ice buildup (or ice dams).
Prevention Tips
Before winter sets in, inspect and repair any damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Clean fallen leaves and other debris out of gutters to ensure melting snow can drain freely. In addition, check downspouts and ensure they are extended away from your foundation to reduce water pooling and ice formation.
4. Address Attic Condensation
Warm indoor air can rise into the attic and condense on cold surfaces, creating moisture that leads to mold, rot, and weakened wood structures, as well as health risks for those living in the home.
Prevention Tips
Seal attic air leaks with caulk or foam, check insulation levels, and make sure vents remain unblocked so moisture can escape.
5. Schedule a Winter Roof Inspection
Even minor issues — like a missing shingle or a small leak — can turn into major problems under snow and ice buildup.
Prevention Tips
Have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof before and during winter to catch problems early and make quick repairs. They will typically check for:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Damaged flashing around chimneys or skylights
- Ice dam or moisture damage in the attic
- Signs of sagging or water infiltration
6. Protect Your Roof from Wind
Brisk, intense winds during the winter can lift and tear shingles, damage flashing, expose granules, and knock down tree limbs that can fall onto your roof and cause significant damage.
Prevention Tips
Before winter arrives, trim back any tree branches hanging over your home and remove dead ones. Invest in quality shingles that have a warranty and will handle heavy wind speeds.
Signs of Roof Damage
Some signs of roof damage can be easy to spot, while others can be more hidden. Watch for:
Shingle Damage — Cracked, curled, warped, or missing shingles could be a sign of an aging roof.
Granule Loss — Roof particles in your gutters or downspouts could be a sign of aging shingles that are starting to break down.
Damaged Flashing — Cracked, rusted, or improperly sealed flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights could mean you have a leak in your attic.
Water Stains and Mold Growth — Discolored spots or mold growth on interior ceilings or walls could indicate a roof leak.
Musty Smells — An unexplained musty smell in your attic could be a sign of a leak or moisture buildup.
Don’t Let Winter Win
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against harsh winter weather. Taking time to inspect, maintain, and prepare can save you from costly repairs and stressful damage later on. If you notice signs of ice buildup, leaks, or sagging, don’t wait — call a professional to assess and fix the issue before it worsens.