Is Snow Roofing Damage Covered by Your Insurance?

Subzero temperatures can be harsh on your exterior, which is why it’s important to have a professional roofing and siding contractor inspect your roof in spring. What if your roof was damaged by snow? Is snow roofing damage covered by homeowner’s insurance? The short answer is yes. Insurers will usually cover roofing damage directly caused by winter weather events. 

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof

If too much snow accumulates on your roof, the added weight load might become too much for your roof to handle and cause sections to collapse. And if the roofing material isn’t suited to your area’s climate, freezing temperatures might damage your roof. 

Important note: Keep in mind that insurers will only cover damage caused by extreme weather events, not roofing damage caused by any negligence on the homeowners’ part. That’s why it’s vital that you have your roof routinely maintained and take the necessary precautions to protect it from frost damage. Otherwise, your insurance payout might be reduced and, in some cases, your insurance policy might be voided.

How Do You Protect Your Roof From Frost and Snow Damage?

• Regularly clean your gutters – Routine gutter maintenance is a must if you want to keep your roof in good condition. Your gutters serve as your roof’s first line of defense against the elements by diverting rainwater to the drains.
• Make sure your roof and attic have adequate insulation – Without adequate insulation, heat might leak out of your roof, melting the snow on top of its surface. And as melted snow slides down the colder edges of your roof, it freezes again, depositing ice that adds to the weight load your roof has to support.

Here’s a pro-tip: To prevent partial roof collapses caused by snow, you might want to consider installing a metal roofing replacement. Snow easily slides off sleek metal roof surfaces, reducing the weight load on your roof. For more tips on protecting your roof from frost and snow damage, consult your local roofer. 

One more thing: If you’re having trouble filing an insurance claim, some contractors offer claims processing assistance. 

Custom Installations has been providing professional exterior and roofing services to local residents since 1969. To get a free estimate, call us at (847) 558-1967 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Northbrook as well as the surrounding IL communities.