Nearly half of U.S. homes are susceptible to heavy snow this winter, according to a report by Instant Roofer.
Four in 10 are estimated to have roofs rated as moderate or poor in condition, the data showed, with many properties are at risk when heavy snowfall arrives.
“Most homeowners don't realize their roof is vulnerable until it's too late,” explains Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer, a platform that uses AI-powered roof calculators to deliver accurate roofing estimates nationwide. “The signs are often there months before the first snowfall, but people miss them because they don't know what to look for.”
Getting ahead of winter weather
- Schedule a professional inspection: Have a qualified roofer assess your roof's condition before heavy weather arrives. Most inspections cost $150-350, far less than emergency repairs.
- Address small issues immediately: Minor repairs like replacing a few shingles or sealing small leaks are much cheaper than major reconstruction after winter damage.
- Document everything: Take photos of your roof's current condition for insurance purposes. This documentation can be valuable if you need to file a claim later.
“We've seen countless cases where a $300 inspection and minor repairs prevented $15,000 to $30,000 in emergency damage costs,” said Berzolla.
“The reality is that winter weather, rather than creating roof problems, exposes them,” he added. “A small leak that seems manageable in October becomes a major structural issue when ice forms and expands in those cracks. Identifying vulnerabilities now allows homeowners to address them on their timeline and budget, rather than dealing with emergency contractors during a snowstorm.”
The slideshow above illustrates signs that your roof may not survive heavy snow this winter as selected by Instant Roofer.
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