Posted May 30, 2025 | Anderson Roofing
When the snow melts and the Midwest finally starts to thaw out, homeowners often breathe a sigh of relief. But just because winter is over doesn’t mean the roof made it through unscathed. Many problems caused by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures don’t show up until spring.
By the time the birds are chirping and the grass is turning green, your roof could already be leaking, shifting, or wearing down in ways you can’t see from the ground. Left unchecked, these early signs of damage can become serious problems once spring storms roll in. That’s why spring is one of the most important times of year to give your roof a closer look.
Here are some of the most common signs of winter roof damage that tend to appear when the seasons change, and why it’s smart to act quickly before minor issues turn into expensive repairs.
One of the easiest ways to spot a roofing problem is from the inside. Head up to the attic after a good rain and look for any signs of moisture—dark stains on the wood, damp insulation, or the musty smell of mold or mildew. These are often signs that water is passing through your shingles or flashing.
Winter snow and ice can leave behind gaps and weak spots that don’t cause issues right away, especially when everything is frozen. But once things warm up and water starts flowing, those leaks will make themselves known.
Shingles go through a lot during an Ohio winter. Ice buildup, rapid temperature swings, and heavy snow can cause the edges to crack or curl. Wind and ice dams can even loosen them completely. By spring, your roof might be missing a few shingles—or have some hanging on by a thread.
Damaged shingles may not be evident unless you’re on a ladder, but they leave your roof vulnerable every time it rains. Even a small area of missing or cracked shingles can lead to leaks, wood rot, and mold growth over time.
Flashing is a thin metal material that seals the edges of your roof, especially around chimneys, vents, skylights, and in valleys. In the winter, flashing is prone to shifting and bending as snow piles up and melts away. Ice dams and refreezing water can also force it out of place.
When flashing pulls away from the surface, it leaves seams and joints exposed to moisture. That can lead to leaks that show up as water stains, ceiling damage, or paint bubbling on the interior walls of your home.
Shingle granules—the tiny, sand-like particles on the surface of asphalt shingles—play an important role in protecting your roof from the sun. After a long winter, it’s not uncommon for a significant amount of granules to wash into the gutters or downspouts.
This is often a sign that your shingles are aging or that winter storms may have worn away their protective layer. If you’re noticing more granules than usual in your gutters this spring, it may be time to have a professional inspect your roof.
Ice is heavy. So is snow. When a roof has taken on repeated freeze-thaw cycles or has held snow for long periods, the weight can stress the structure. Over time, you might notice that parts of your roof look saggy or uneven.
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. A sagging roofline could mean the decking underneath has become soft, rotted, or damaged. If not addressed, this can lead to major structural concerns later on.
Ice dams are one of winter’s most frustrating roofing problems. They form when heat from your home causes snow to melt, run towards the gutters, and refreeze at the roof’s edge. The water trapped behind the dam can then seep under shingles where it freezes again and forces things apart.
Even if your roof didn’t leak during the winter, the aftermath of an ice dam can show up in spring as warped shingles, discolored soffits, or stains on the ceiling. You might even see leftover ice melt lines or debris buildup where the dam used to be.
Your gutters work hard all winter collecting melting snow and diverting water away from your home. But ice can take a toll. Frozen blockages, expanding water, and the weight of icicles can cause gutters to bend, pull away from your house, or even crack at the seams.
If your gutters aren’t draining properly this spring—or if you notice water spilling over the sides or pooling near your foundation—it could be a leftover winter issue that needs attention before heavier rains arrive.
Sometimes, the first signs of roof trouble show up on your siding. Water that leaks slowly from damaged flashing or underlayment often travels down the walls before it’s noticeable. By spring, you might see peeling paint, algae streaks, or even mold patches near your roofline or on upper walls.
These signs suggest water is leaking out in one area and infiltrating another.
When your roof is damaged, it doesn’t just let water in—it also lets warm air out. If your heating bills seemed unusually high this past winter, it could be because your roof wasn’t holding the heat in. Small gaps from cracked shingles or displaced flashing can lead to heat loss that adds up fast over the cold months.
Here’s a quick list of spring roof inspection points to keep in mind:
Even if you don’t feel comfortable getting up on the roof yourself, keeping an eye out for these signs from the ground or attic can help you catch problems early and call someone to help.
Winter may be over, but it often leaves a quiet mess behind. What looks like a perfectly fine roof from the driveway might be hiding damage that only shows up after the first big spring storm. And by then, the cost of waiting can be a lot higher than a seasonal checkup.
If anything looks off—or if it’s just been a few years since anyone’s taken a close look at your roof—spring is the perfect time to act.
Call Anderson Roofing today to schedule a roof inspection. We’ll help you spot winter damage before it becomes worse and keep your home protected.
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