Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage from snow?

What Georgia winter storms actually do

Heavy snow is rare here, but ice storms are not, especially north of Atlanta. Roofs in the South are framed for much lighter snow loads than roofs up north, so an unusual event can still cause trouble. The common damage:

• Falling limbs and trees loaded with ice, which puncture decking and crush gutters
• Gutters torn off by the weight of ice
• Sagging or cracked framing on porches, carports and low slope sections where snow drifts
• Leaks where melting snow backs up behind an ice dam

How coverage usually works

A sudden load that breaks something is covered. A tree that falls on the house because of ice is covered, and removing it from the structure is part of the claim. Melting snow that seeps through old flashing, or condensation in a poorly ventilated attic, is treated as maintenance. Detached structures such as sheds and carports fall under other structures coverage.

Safety first

• Stay out of rooms with a sagging or cracking ceiling.
• Do not climb an icy roof to shovel it.
• If the framing has moved, ask for a structural evaluation before repairs.

Documenting it

Photograph the load while it is still there if you can do so safely, then the damage after it melts. Note the dates, because the storm date anchors the claim. See date of loss and emergency tarping.