When you picture winter, what do you think of? The season conjures up images of warming our hands by cosy fires, hot chocolate on long snowy walks and decorating our houses in sparkly lights. Yet, there’s a harsher side to the colder weather.

Winter brings numerous challenges for homeowners, particularly when snow, ice, and high winds hit. Despite roofs being our home’s first line of defence against the elements, they’re also vulnerable to these, including the weight of snow, ice, and pressure from extreme wind.

In this post, we’ll explore the types of damage that harsh weather conditions can cause to your roof, how home insurance can help, and what preventative steps you can take to protect your home.

Common types of roof damage

One of the most frequent issues with roofs is leaking. When snow accumulates, the extra weight puts pressure on your roof. At some point, the snow will inevitably begin to melt; if your roof isn’t adequately sealed, the pooled water can seep into cracks or weak points, creating a leak inside your home. These leaks can cause significant water damage, affecting ceilings, walls, and insulation.

Ice is another common problem. Ice dams form when snow melts on warmer roof sections and refreezes at the colder edges, creating a barrier that traps water. As water accumulates behind the ice dam, it can get through your roof’s underlay and seep into the home, causing water damage. The damage they cause often isn’t always immediately visible, which means the problem can get worse before you know it even exists.

Extreme winds also pose a serious threat to roofs. Strong gusts can loosen or rip off shingles, exposing the underlying layers of the roof to the elements. In severe cases, winds can even damage the structural integrity of a roof, particularly if it’s already in poor condition or hasn’t been maintained.

Home insurance and roof damage

Home insurance policies typically cover roof leaks caused by extreme weather, but it’s important to understand the specifics of your policy. Most standard policies will cover damage caused by sudden events such as heavy snowfalls, high winds, or falling ice. If damage is deemed to be a result of neglect or lack of maintenance, your policy may not cover for this.

To ensure you’re adequately protected, review your home insurance policy before winter sets in. Pay close attention to the sections on roof damage and ensure your policy covers common winter risks, such as snow and ice. Some insurers may also offer specific add-ons that can provide extra protection, such as coverage for ice dam removal or repair.

Recognising the signs your roof needs maintenance

Before winter hits, inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear that could create worse problems once the cold weather arrives. Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles that could let in water. You should also check for cracks in the chimney or signs of moisture inside the attic, as these may indicate that your roof’s protective barrier is compromised.

Ensure to repair any issues as soon as you can. A professional roofer can assess the extent of the damage and provide any necessary fixes to ensure your roof is in optimal condition to withstand the winter months.

Safe snow and ice removal

Once snow accumulates on your roof, it’s vital to remove it carefully to prevent damage. However, clearing snow and ice from a roof can be a dangerous task and should be done with caution. One of the safest ways to remove snow is with a long-handled roof rake, which allows you to clear the snow without climbing onto the roof.

If ice has already formed, resist the temptation to chip it away, as this can damage shingles and roof tiles. Instead, hire a professional.

With proper maintenance and adequate insurance, you can protect your home from costly damage. By inspecting your roof before winter, addressing any issues promptly, and safely removing snow and ice, you’ll be well-prepared to weather the season.


For more information or for a full review of your insurance needs, please see our insurance specialisms, contact your usual Towergate Insurance Broker or email TIB@towergate.co.uk.


Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.