Will insurance cover roof damage from snow?
Short answer. Yes, in most homeowners policies. Weight of ice, snow or sleet is a standard covered peril, so a roof that sags, cracks or collapses under it is covered, and many policies also cover water damage from ice dams. Damage that traces to rotted framing, poor ventilation or worn shingles may be excluded.
What snow and ice do to a roof
- Structural load. Wet snow and ice are heavy. Roofs in North Georgia are not usually built for the snow loads common up north, so a rare heavy event can crack rafters or sag decking.
- Ice dams. Heat from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, the water refreezes at the cold eaves, and backed up water seeps under shingles into soffits and ceilings.
- Gutters. Ice weight can pull gutters off the fascia.
- Falling limbs. Ice storms in the North Georgia mountains and foothills bring down limbs and whole trees.
How coverage usually works
- Collapse or structural damage from the weight of ice, snow or sleet: typically covered.
- Interior water damage from an ice dam: often covered as sudden damage; check your policy wording.
- Trees felled by ice weight that hit the house: covered, including removal from the structure.
- Damage traced to old rot, weak framing or deferred maintenance: may be excluded.
After a winter storm
- Stay off the roof. Ice makes it extremely dangerous.
- Look for sagging rooflines, cracked ceilings, doors that suddenly stick, and water stains.
- Photograph everything with dates.
- Report promptly and protect the home from more water. See emergency tarping.
For interior damage, see interior water damage coverage. Robust Roofing's guide to ice dams in North Georgia covers prevention.