Here in our area, winter weather can be unpredictable, and your roof often takes the brunt of it. Ice, snow, and freezing rain may not look like a big deal from the ground, but they can quietly cause damage that later manifests as leaks, drafts, or costly repairs.
At Palmetto Roofing Specialties, we see firsthand how winter storms impact roofs. Understanding what’s happening above your head can help you catch problems early and protect your home before small issues turn into bigger ones.
Ice dams form when snow melts on warmer sections of the roof and refreezes near the edges. This creates a barrier that traps water rather than allowing it to drain properly. Over time, that water can seep under shingles and into your home.
Signs ice dams may be causing problems include:
Even a small ice dam can allow moisture into places it doesn’t belong.
Freezing rain is one of the most damaging winter conditions we deal with. It seeps into tiny gaps around shingles, flashing, vents, and chimneys. When it freezes, it expands and slowly widens those openings. Once temperatures rise, water has an easy path inside.
Why freezing rain is especially hard on roofs:
This type of damage rarely announces itself right away.
Snow may look light and fluffy, but wet snow and ice are extremely heavy. When that weight sits on your roof for days, it puts stress on the decking and framing, especially on older roofs or homes with existing wear.
We often see issues like:
Most homeowners don’t notice these signs until damage has already begun.
Ice buildup in gutters can add weight quickly. That extra load can pull gutters away from the home, allowing melting snow to run behind siding and trim rather than drain safely away.
This can lead to:
Gutters play a bigger role in roof health than many people realize.
One of the biggest challenges with winter roof damage is timing. Many issues don’t become obvious until weeks after a storm has passed. As ice melts, water begins moving through newly formed gaps, revealing leaks long after the weather clears.
That’s why we often recommend a post-storm roof check, even if everything looks fine from the ground.
A few proactive steps can help reduce winter damage:
If your roof has taken a few winter hits or something just doesn’t look right, we’re here to help. Sometimes it’s a simple repair. Sometimes it’s just peace of mind knowing everything is in good shape.
We’re local, we know how our winters affect roofs here, and we believe in giving homeowners honest information.
If you’d like us to take a look, we’re happy to walk you through what we see and help you decide what makes sense for your home. No pressure. Just straightforward guidance from people who live and work in the same community.
