How do I know if my roof has winter storm damage?

From the ground, look for missing or creased shingles, lifted flashing, bent gutters and debris on the roof. Inside, watch for new ceiling stains, drips, damp attic insulation or frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck. If you spot any of these, have the roof inspected before the next storm.

Is it safe to shovel snow off my roof?

Climbing on a snowy or icy roof is dangerous and can damage shingles. A roof rake used from the ground is the safer way to pull snow off the lower edge. If the snow load looks extreme or you see sagging, leave the house and call a professional.

Can you repair a roof in the winter?

Yes. Emergency repairs and temporary protection can be done in cold weather to stop water from getting in. Some permanent repairs, like re-sealing shingles, work best in milder temperatures, so we may do a temporary fix now and finish the work when the weather allows.

Will you work with my insurance company after a winter storm?

The claim itself is between you and your insurer. We can inspect your roof, document storm damage with photos, give you a written estimate and meet your adjuster on site.

How Winter Storms Can Wreak Havoc on Your Roof

By the Allabaugh Construction team · January 4, 2022 · Updated September 25, 2026

Your roof might not cross your mind very often, but it takes a beating every winter. Snow and ice storms are especially hard on roofs because they combine extreme temperature swings with plenty of water. In New Jersey, winter nor'easters can bring wind-driven rain, snow and sleet in a single storm. In Northeast Pennsylvania, winters are typically longer and snowier, with more days below freezing. If a storm damages your roof, storm damage repair needs to happen quickly so your family stays safe, dry and warm.

Here are the most common types of winter storm damage we see on roofs.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Winter temperatures in our area often swing above and below freezing, sometimes within the same day. Water that gets into small cracks, under lifted shingles or around flashing freezes and expands, then thaws and runs deeper. Over a season, those cycles pry openings wider and loosen sealant, which is how a tiny gap in the fall becomes a leak by March.

Heavy Snow Loads and Roof Collapse

Snow is heavy, especially the wet, dense snow that often comes with late-season storms, and the more it piles up, the more weight your roof carries. At best, that's extra stress on the structure. At worst, a weakened roof can collapse. The good news is that collapse rarely happens without warning. These are red flags that mean you should get everyone out of the house and call a professional:

New cracks in walls, ceilings or masonry
Sagging ceilings or a visibly sagging roofline
Severe or sudden leaking
Creaking, cracking or popping sounds
Doors upstairs that suddenly stick

A structurally damaged roof isn't safe to be under, especially during a storm. If you're unsure, play it safe and call a roofer right away.

Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat from the house melts snow on the upper roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the colder eaves. The ridge of ice traps water behind it, and that water backs up under the shingles and into ceilings and walls. The weight of the ice can also bend or pull gutters off the fascia. Better attic insulation, air sealing and balanced roof ventilation are the long-term fix. Our post on preventing roof ice dams covers this in detail.

Wind Damage

Winter storms send high winds across your roof. Gusts can lift, crease or tear off shingles, and a lifted shingle that has lost its seal is much easier for the next storm to remove. Wind also throws tree limbs and debris onto the roof, which can puncture shingles and decking. After a big blow, walk around the house and look for shingles in the yard.

Water Damage

Snow looks peaceful on the roof, but when it melts, the water has to go somewhere. A lot of winter damage happens slowly, as water seeps into decking, rafters and wall framing, shortening their lifespan. Moisture in the attic also soaks insulation, which then does a poorer job of keeping heat in, and your heating bills can climb as a result.

Act Now, Relax Later

Don't wait for the first big storm to take care of your roof. Before winter:

Clean your gutters after the leaves fall, or schedule gutter cleaning.
Trim branches that hang over the roof.
Review your homeowners policy with your agent so you know what to do if damage happens.
Schedule a roof inspection to catch loose shingles and worn flashing.

We can't stop snow and ice from landing on your roof, but we can help make sure it's ready. Allabaugh Construction handles roof inspections, repairs and replacements across Mercer County, NJ and Luzerne County, PA, plus gutters, siding and skylights. Call our NJ office at (609) 477-0487 or our PA office at (814) 330-4897 before the weather gets worse.