Winter Roof Care in North Texas
How North Texas freezes and winter storms affect your roof, what to check before cold weather, and how to handle leaks and ice after a winter storm.
North Texas winters are mild most of the time, but the hard freezes and ice storms we do get can catch roofs and homeowners off guard. The February 2021 winter storm was a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.
Before the cold arrives
- Clean gutters and downspouts so melting ice and rain can drain
- Trim branches that hang over the roof, since ice makes them heavy and brittle
- Check the attic for gaps in insulation and signs of past leaks
- Look for missing or lifted shingles left from fall storms
- Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans vent outside, not into the attic
How freezes affect roofs
Water that gets under loose shingles or into small cracks can freeze, expand and make the gap bigger. Ice can also build up at the roof edge and in gutters, backing water up under the shingles when it melts. A roof in good shape handles this well; a roof with existing damage often shows it first in winter.
After a winter storm
- Stay off the roof. Ice makes it extremely dangerous
- Don't chip ice off shingles; you'll damage them
- Watch ceilings and the attic for leaks as things thaw
- Check gutters for sagging or pulling away from the fascia
- Photograph any damage and note the date
Spring storms are next
Late winter is a good time for an inspection, before spring hail season. If your roof has weak spots, it's much better to find them in February than after the first big storm in April.