Can a Winter Storm Damage a Roof: Complete Cold-Weather Guide

Those cold, blustery winter storms aren’t just a concern for your car - your roof can take some severe damage, too. What damage can snow do to a roof? Read our full cold-weather roof guide below to learn how to protect and repair your roof this winter.

If you’ve lived in Canada for a while, you know that winter can get pretty rough. There’s a reason why the stereotypical Canadian lives in an igloo - it feels like we do some days!

One major downside of a classic winter storm is the damage it can do to your roof. We’re walking you through the most common types of damage you’ll run into, prevention tips, and how to deal when you have an issue.

Types of Weather Roof Damage

Typically, you’ll see roof damage from exposure to harsh elements.

• Water damage can be an issue when freezing rain comes to town. Ice buildup in your gutter can prevent drainage, which leads to accumulated water extensively damaging your roof, causing mold, wiring damage, and more. It doesn’t matter if your roof is slanted or flat - both are at risk of water damage in the wrong situation.

• Snow damage can be an issue, especially in areas that receive heavy snow. That said, even a few inches of snowfall is enough to cause damage, especially if you have a flat roof that doesn’t allow for snow to fall down the sides as it accumulates naturally.

• Generally, snow melts relatively quickly on the roof thanks to the heat your home gives off, but the water can then enter cracks within the roof, especially if your gutters are overloaded with water and ice.

• Wind damage can wreak havoc on loose or old roof shingles, ripping them straight off with strong gusts. Often, winter wind combines with hail, sleet, or snowstorms, which makes the chance for damage rise significantly.

What Damage can Snow do to a Roof?

Structural Damage

Rapid temperature changes, snow, and rain can cause your roof’s surface to crack, exposing the interior to the elements. In addition, water can drip into these cracks, freezing and melting with the swinging temperatures to make the cracks even more prominent. Eventually, these cracks turn into leaks and make it challenging to keep your home well heated.

Heavy snow and ice will cause structural damage and winter roof damage issues, even leading to collapse in the worst-case scenario.

Shingle Damage

If you have older shingles on your roof, cold weather can make them brittle, causing cracking and breaking once heavy snow or wind is added to the mix. Missing or damaged shingles will lead to exposure damage, which can create a dangerous electrical wiring issue and cause mold growth.

Attic Damage

Snow and ice can lead to issues not just with your roof but also your attic. If the ventilation from the attic is blocked by snow, moisture cannot be released, leading to a buildup in your attic. The lack of ventilation can also contribute to shingle damage, and the extra moisture may freeze on your joists, rafters, or the roof deck, which may rot or mold the surfaces.

Eavestrough & Skylights

Eavestroughs and skylights are vulnerable to storm damage, too. Your skylight’s flashing and waterproofing can become damaged by the water and weight of snow and ice, leading to leaks.

The eavestrough can fill with heavy snow accumulation, ice, and freezing/thawing cycles, leading to a massive chunk of ice blocking your drainage system. As a result, water has nowhere to drain and may instead flow under the roof and into the walls of your home.

How to Prevent Winter Roof Damage

You can’t predict the weather or the damage to your roof, but you can take a few steps to prevent and minimize the damage it suffers from wind, snow, and ice.

#1: Never Clear Your Roof Yourself

Loads of homeowners attempt to clear the snow off their roofs themselves - well-intentioned, but the shovel can cause damage to your shingles and make your issues worse. Rock salt works well for sidewalk snow removal, but if you attempt to put it on your roof, you can damage your shingles and void your warranty.

#2: Check the Weather & Prep

If you know a storm is likely coming, be sure to safely pop up to your roof and clear any debris before the poor weather starts rolling in. Get a roof inspection completed by a roofing professional who can pinpoint any potential weaknesses and fix them before they become an issue.

#3: Get your Attic in Good Shape

Ensure your attic is in excellent condition before a storm with proper insulation. Plug any gaps and ensure all areas are adequately covered. Keep the roof vents clear, so they can distribute heat to your roof and melt snow and ice accumulation in a flash.

Best Cold Climate Roofing Materials

Not every type of roof is equally suited for every climate - certain types are far better for colder weather and storms than others.

What Type of Roof is Best for Heavy Snow?

• Slate - Slate is a popular option that’s both durable and attractive. It holds up well in extreme cold, heat and can withstand heavy windstorms and hail. They work well on sloped roofs meant to prevent snow buildup. On the downside, it’s heavy and expensive.
• Metal - Metal roofing is a fantastic option for cold weather and areas that see heavy snowfall, as it heats itself up with the warmth of the sun, helping to melt heavy snow and ice formation. Due to the nature of the material, homes with metal roofs require more insulation to keep warm.
• Fiberglass Asphalt - These are a classic, all-weather shingle that holds up well in the snow and cold. They’re more affordable than the other options and relatively simple to maintain.
• Synthetic - Synthetic composite shingles are made of highly durable polyurethane, which can take quite a beating without damage in a big winter storm.

Repairing Your Roof After a Storm

Can roofs be repaired in winter?

Absolutely, and repairs should be made ASAP after storm damage to minimize the destruction and protect the rest of your roof and attic.

If you’re dealing with some unfortunate roof damage after a winter storm, we’d love to help! Contact us or call (905) 544-4667 for a free roof repair quote from the experts.