For homeowners in New England, winter brings more than just beautiful snowy landscapes. Snow and ice can put a serious strain on your roof, causing damage that might not be obvious until it’s too late. Understanding what these winter elements do to your roof is the first step in protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs.

Here’s a closer look at how snow and ice affect your roof and what you can do to keep your home safe throughout the season.

The Weight of Snow

Snow may look light and fluffy, but when it accumulates on your roof, it can become surprisingly heavy. Wet snow, in particular, can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot. A roof that isn’t structurally sound or has existing weaknesses may experience sagging, leaks, or even structural failure under this weight.

Regular roof inspections can identify areas of concern before winter hits. Replacing worn shingles, reinforcing weak spots, and ensuring your roof structure is solid can prevent major problems when the snow piles up.

Ice Dams

One of the most common winter roofing issues is ice dams. These form when heat escapes from your home and melts the snow on your roof. The melted water runs down and refreezes along the colder eaves, forming a dam of ice.

Ice dams prevent proper drainage and can cause water to back up under shingles. This trapped water can leak into your home, damaging ceilings, walls, insulation, and even your roof decking. Proper insulation and ventilation, along with timely gutter maintenance, are key to preventing ice dams.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Winter temperatures in New England often fluctuate above and below freezing. These freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on roofing materials. Water that seeps into small cracks freezes and expands, causing the cracks to widen over time.

This process can damage shingles, flashing, and other roofing components, eventually leading to leaks and structural issues. Catching small problems before winter starts is crucial for avoiding bigger repairs later.

Moisture Damage

Even if your roof appears intact, snow and ice can create moisture problems over time. Melting snow can seep into gaps, under shingles, and into your attic, leading to mold, rot, and weakened structural integrity. Homes with inadequate ventilation or older roofing materials are particularly vulnerable.

Routine maintenance and timely repairs are the best way to prevent moisture-related issues. Ensuring that gutters are clean, downspouts are functional, and flashing is secure can make a huge difference in protecting your roof.

Protecting Your Roof with Professional Care

The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize winter damage. Scheduling a professional roof inspection before the first snow falls allows experts to identify potential problems and address them before they become costly emergencies.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your free home assessment with Acro Contractor. Our experienced team will inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and windows to help you prepare your home for the winter months. We offer flexible, affordable financing options, so protecting your home does not have to strain your budget.

With over 60 years of combined experience in roofing, siding, gutter, and window installation, Acro Contractor delivers expert craftsmanship across New England. We proudly speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and we are committed to keeping your home safe, comfortable, and winter-ready.

Call us today at (774) 476-9637 to schedule your free assessment and make sure your roof is ready to handle everything winter throws its way.

Acro Contractor
Roofing | Siding | Gutters | Windows
Serving all of New England with quality you can trust