Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks from snow and ice?
Short answer. Usually, for sudden damage. Standard homeowners policies list the weight of ice, snow or sleet as a covered peril, and leaks from ice dams are often covered as sudden water damage. Leaks from snowmelt seeping through a worn roof, and the cost of removing ice, are generally not covered.
How snow and ice cause leaks
- Ice dams: heat escaping into the attic melts snow higher on the roof; it refreezes at the colder eaves, and the backed up water runs under the shingles.
- Weight: heavy wet snow or ice loads can crack decking or damage gutters and older framing.
- Melt through weak spots: slow melt finds worn shingles, exposed nails and failed flashing.
How coverage usually breaks down
- Weight of ice or snow damaging the roof or gutters: usually covered.
- Interior damage from an ice dam leak: often covered, depending on the policy.
- Removing ice or snow from the roof: usually not covered unless it is needed to prevent further damage.
- Leaks through a worn roof: excluded as wear.
North Georgia reality
Ice storms and significant snow are uncommon here, but the mountains and higher elevations see them more often, and a single ice storm can do outsized damage because few roofs are built for it. The building code calls for an ice barrier at the eaves only where local history of ice damming requires it, and many Georgia roofs do not have one. Poor attic insulation and ventilation make ice dams more likely.
After a winter storm
Photograph icicles, ice ridges at the eaves and any interior stains. Do not chip ice off shingles. Stop the water inside and report promptly. See interior water damage coverage and your duty to mitigate. Robust Roofing's guide to ice dams in North Georgia covers prevention.