What To Do When Snow or Ice Damages Your Roof

Understanding Winter Roof Damage: Snow vs. Ice

The Impact of Snow on Your Roof

While a fresh snowfall looks harmless, snow is heavy. A single cubic foot of packed snow can weigh over 20 pounds. Multiply that across your entire roof, and the pressure adds up fast, especially after multiple storms.

Common snow-related roofing problems:

• Roof collapse or sagging under excessive snow load
• Shingle damage from shifting, thawing, and refreezing snow
• Leaking at valleys or flashing due to melting snow penetration
• Blocked vents or chimneys, impacting ventilation and indoor air quality

The Threat of Ice Dams

Ice dams are among the most dangerous winter roof issues. These ridges of ice form at the edge of your roof when snow melts unevenly and refreezes near the eaves. They trap meltwater behind them, forcing it under shingles and into your attic or walls.

Signs of ice dam damage:

• Water stains on ceilings or upper walls
• Mold or mildew odors
• Icicles forming along gutters
• Shingles lifting or curling near the edges
• Wet insulation or dripping inside the attic

For a more in-depth look at how ice dams form and how to stop them, read How to Prevent Ice Dams Before the First Snowfall.

What To Do If Snow or Ice Damages Your Roof

1. Stay Safe and Avoid Climbing Your Roof

Your roof may need attention, but your safety comes first. Never climb onto a snow-covered or icy roof. Homeowners attempting to shovel snow or chip away ice can cause additional damage or even suffer serious injury.

Instead:

• Use binoculars or a drone to assess visible damage from the ground
• Take photos of anything you notice for documentation
• Call a professional roofing contractor immediately

2. Schedule a Roof Inspection ASAP

Even if the damage seems minor, time is critical. Snow and ice damage tends to worsen quickly, especially during repeated freeze-thaw cycles or additional snowfall.

A winter roof inspection can identify:

• Moisture intrusion or active leaks
• Compromised flashing or underlayment
• Attic ventilation or insulation issues
• Sagging or structurally weakened areas

3. Mitigate Interior Damage Quickly

If you notice water stains, dripping, or peeling paint inside your home, it’s important to act fast:

• Place buckets or towels to collect leaks
• Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry affected areas
• Remove wet insulation or materials when safe
• Avoid running electrical devices near water-damaged zones

Document everything with photos for potential insurance claims. 

4. Don’t Delay Repairs (Even Small Ones)

Small leaks or missing shingles in winter can turn into major problems by spring. Cold weather may limit the scope of certain repairs, but temporary patching or ice dam mitigation can still prevent widespread damage.

Typical mid-winter repairs may include:

• Ice melt systems to relieve pressure from dams
• Flashing repairs or resealing
• Emergency leak barriers in attics or crawlspaces
• Temporary shingle patching until spring
• Snow and ice removal in critical areas by professionals

Delaying repairs can lead to structural wood rot, mold growth, higher energy bills, and early roof failure. These are all significantly more expensive to fix.

For more context, read The True Cost of Emergency Winter Roofing Repairs.

5. Evaluate for Long-Term Solutions

Recurring winter roof issues are often a sign of underlying problems. After the emergency is addressed, talk to your roofing contractor about:

• Upgrading attic insulation to prevent uneven snow melt
• Installing ventilation systems to regulate attic temperature
• Replacing older shingles with durable, winter-rated options
• Adding an ice and water shield under vulnerable roof areas
• Installing snow guards or heat cables on trouble-prone eaves

If your roof is nearing the end of its life, the solution may be a full replacement come spring. 

North Hills Homes Are Especially Vulnerable in Winter

Pittsburgh’s North Hills region is known for its charming, tree-lined neighborhoods and varying home ages, but those same factors can increase roofing risk:

• Heavy shade causes snow and ice to linger longer on roofs
• Older roof structures may lack adequate insulation and ventilation
• Multiple rooflines and valleys create natural ice dam hotspots
• Steep slopes make snow removal dangerous without professional help
• Wind exposure in elevated areas can lift shingles and flashings during storms

That’s why it’s essential to consider a roofing company that has local expertise. A local company knows the materials, layouts, and weather patterns unique to North Hills homes.

What Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

If you’re dealing with ice or snow-related roof damage, your homeowner’s insurance policy may help, but coverage often depends on the cause.

Insurance typically covers:

• Ice dams causing interior water damage
• Shingle loss or flashing failure during a storm
• Structural roof collapse due to snow load

Insurance typically doesn’t cover:

• Pre-existing maintenance issues
• Gradual leaks or neglect
• Ice dams caused by insufficient insulation

Every policy is different. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and working with a local contractor to supply inspection details and repair estimates for your claim.

When Snow or Ice Hits, Know Who to Call

Snow and ice damage can escalate quickly, putting your home and your finances at risk. But with fast action, expert support, and preventive steps, you can minimize the impact and safeguard your home for the rest of winter.

Whether you’re dealing with active leaks, suspect ice dam damage, or just want a second opinion after a storm, M.A. Thompson Roofing is here to help.

M.A. Thompson Roofing specializes in emergency inspections, mid-winter repairs, and long-term roofing solutions for homeowners in Pittsburgh’s North Hills.

Schedule a free estimate today and take the stress out of snow and ice damage.

M.A. Thompson Roofing – Quality. Experience. Community. Since 1976.

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