What to Do When Your Roof Suffers Snow Damage
Learn what to do after snow damage to your roof. Our guide covers immediate steps, repair options, and tips for snow damage roof repair.
The beauty of a winter wonderland in Illinois and Wisconsin can quickly turn into a homeowner's nightmare when heavy snow accumulates on the roof. The immense weight of snow and ice can lead to significant structural issues, leaks, and costly repairs.
When your roof shows signs of strain, knowing the right steps to take can prevent further damage and ensure your home remains safe and secure.
This guide provides a clear plan for what to do when you suspect snow damage. We'll cover immediate actions, assessment tips, and long-term solutions for snow damage roof repair. Acting quickly and correctly is key to protecting your property and your peace of mind.
For a deeper understanding of winter's impact, you can read more about how snow and ice damage your roof. If you need immediate assistance, our team is ready to help with professional roof repair services.
Immediate Steps to Take After Spotting Snow Damage
Discovering potential snow damage can be alarming. Your first priority should be safety and preventing the situation from getting worse. Here are the critical first steps you should take.
1. Prioritize Safety and Assess from the Ground
Your safety is paramount. Never climb onto a snow-covered or icy roof to inspect for damage yourself. The surface is extremely slippery and dangerous. Instead, conduct a visual inspection from the ground.
What to look for:
Sagging: A noticeable dip or bow in the roofline is a serious red flag indicating excessive weight.
Cracking or Popping Noises: Strange sounds coming from the attic or ceiling could be a sign of structural stress.
Interior Leaks: Check your attic and top-floor ceilings for water stains, drips, or moisture.
Jammed Doors or Windows: Doors and windows that suddenly stick or won't close properly can indicate a shift in your home's frame due to roof pressure.
Visible Cracks: Look for new cracks in drywall or plaster on interior walls and ceilings.
If you notice any of these signs, especially a sagging roof, it may be best to evacuate the property and call a professional immediately.
2. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before any cleanup or repairs begin, thoroughly document the damage. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles on the ground and of any interior damage you find. Detailed documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim.
Documentation checklist:
Photos of the entire roof, focusing on areas with heavy snow accumulation.
Close-up shots of any visible damage like ice dams or sagging.
Pictures of interior water stains, leaks, and cracked walls.
A written log of the date you noticed the damage and any strange noises you heard.
3. Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor
After ensuring immediate safety, your next call should be to a trusted roofing contractor. A professional has the training and equipment to safely assess the situation.
They can determine the extent of the damage and recommend the necessary snow damage roof repair. An expert evaluation is also valuable for your insurance claim. Waiting too long can lead to more extensive and expensive problems.
Understanding the Types of Snow Damage
Snow and ice can harm your roof in several ways. Understanding the specific type of damage helps in communicating with your contractor and knowing what repairs are needed.
Heavy Snow Accumulation
The sheer weight of wet, heavy snow is a primary cause of damage. A cubic foot of fresh snow weighs about 15 pounds, but packed, wet snow can weigh over 20 pounds.
When several feet pile up, your roof could be supporting thousands of pounds of extra weight, leading to structural stress and potential collapse.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly. This trapped water can back up under the shingles and seep into your home, causing water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and the roof deck itself.
For more prevention strategies, see our tips on how to protect your roof during winter.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
As temperatures fluctuate, melting snow can seep into small cracks in your roofing material. When the temperature drops again, this water freezes and expands, widening the cracks.
This cycle repeats throughout the winter, causing shingles to lift, split, and deteriorate, creating pathways for leaks.
Gutter and Downspout Damage
The weight of snow and ice can cause gutters and downspouts to bend, sag, or pull away from the house entirely.
Clogged or damaged gutters exacerbate problems like ice dams by preventing proper drainage.
The Snow Damage Roof Repair Process
Once a professional has assessed the situation, the repair process can begin. The approach will depend on the type and severity of the damage.
Minor Repairs
For less severe issues, the repairs might be relatively straightforward.
Shingle Replacement: Replacing shingles that were cracked or lifted by freeze-thaw cycles.
Sealing Leaks: Applying roofing cement or sealant to patch minor holes and secure flashing around vents and chimneys.
Gutter Repair: Re-securing or replacing damaged sections of your gutter system to restore proper drainage.
Major Structural Repairs
If the damage is significant, more extensive work will be required.
Roof Deck Repair: If water has rotted the roof deck, sections may need to be removed and replaced.
Truss and Rafter Reinforcement: In cases of roof sagging, a contractor may need to reinforce the underlying support structure to restore its integrity.
Full or Partial Roof Replacement: For older roofs or those with widespread damage, a full replacement might be the most cost-effective long-term solution.
Dealing with Water Damage
If water has entered your home, addressing the interior damage is just as important. This may involve:
Drying out wet insulation, drywall, and wood framing.
Treating for mold and mildew to prevent health hazards.
Replacing damaged drywall, ceilings, and insulation.
Preventing Future Snow Damage
After completing your snow damage roof repair, the focus should shift to prevention. Proactive measures can save you from dealing with this stress again.
1. Regular Roof Maintenance
A well-maintained roof is your best defense against winter weather. Follow a consistent maintenance schedule to keep your roof in top shape.
Our top roofing maintenance tips for Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners provide a great starting point. Key tasks include annual professional inspections and keeping gutters clean.
2. Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Proper attic insulation and ventilation are crucial for preventing ice dams. A well-ventilated attic keeps the roof surface cold, preventing snow from melting and refreezing at the eaves. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated and that soffit vents are not blocked.
3. Consider a Roof Rake
For accessible, single-story homes, a long-handled roof rake can be used to safely remove snow from the edge of the roof. This helps reduce the weight load and prevents ice dam formation.
Always follow safety guidelines and never over-extend, as falling snow can be heavy.
For heavy snow accumulation, consider professional help with our roof snow removal service to ensure your roof stays safe and damage-free.
Trust Avondale Roofing for Your Repair Needs
Dealing with snow damage is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experienced team at Avondale Roofing is here to provide reliable, professional snow damage roof repair services. We have served homeowners across Wisconsin and Illinois for over 35 years, building a reputation for quality and trust.
From emergency assessments to complete roof replacements, we ensure your home is protected. Contact us today for a free inspection and let our experts restore your roof and your peace of mind.