When winter hits Rochester, NY, few parts of your home take a beating like your roof. Heavy snow, ice accumulation, and constant freeze-thaw cycles can quickly turn minor roofing issues into major problems. Without proper maintenance, even a strong roof can suffer structural stress, leaks, and costly damage. Fortunately, with some smart preparation — and help from trusted professionals — you can keep your home protected all season long.

At Sunset Roofing, we help Rochester homeowners prepare their roofs for harsh winters every year. Here’s how you can prevent damage from heavy snow and ice before it starts — and what to do if your roof is already showing signs of trouble.

Understanding the Weight of Rochester’s Winter Snow

Rochester’s lake-effect snow is no joke. According to the National Weather Service, the area averages nearly 100 inches of snow each winter — with storms that can dump several feet at once. The weight of that snow adds up quickly:

• 1 inch of snow = roughly 1 pound per square foot (light snow)
• 1 inch of ice = roughly 5 pounds per square foot
• 12 inches of wet, heavy snow = over 20 pounds per square foot

For a 1,500-square-foot roof, that can mean more than 30,000 pounds of pressure — a serious risk for any home, especially if the roof already has structural wear or poor drainage.

Common Types of Winter Roof Damage

Before you can protect your roof, it helps to understand what can go wrong during Rochester’s coldest months. Some of the most common winter roofing issues include:

• Ice dams: These form when warm air melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes along the edges and traps meltwater behind it.
• Roof leaks: As trapped water backs up beneath shingles, it can seep through underlayment and into the attic or walls.
• Structural stress: Excessive snow load can cause roof decking or trusses to sag, especially on older homes.
• Gutter damage: Heavy icicles and ice buildup can pull gutters away from fascia boards or crack them entirely.
• Ventilation issues: Blocked soffit or ridge vents can trap heat and moisture in the attic, worsening ice dam formation.

Recognizing these risks early is the first step toward preventing long-term damage.

1. Clear Excess Snow Safely

Removing snow from your roof reduces weight and prevents melting water from refreezing. However, it’s important to do it safely. Never climb onto a snow-covered roof — it’s slippery, dangerous, and can easily cause damage if done incorrectly.

Instead, use a roof rake with an extended handle to clear the first few feet of snow from the roof edges while standing safely on the ground. This helps prevent ice dams and allows meltwater to drain properly through gutters. For heavy accumulations or large homes, contact a professional snow removal service trained in winter roofing safety.

2. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear

Blocked gutters are one of the leading causes of winter roof damage. When snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, clogged gutters trap water and allow it to pool under shingles. The next freeze expands that water, forcing it into seams and cracks.

Before winter begins, clean out gutters and downspouts thoroughly, removing leaves, pine needles, and debris. You can also consider installing gutter guards to minimize buildup throughout the season. During the winter, inspect gutters after major snowfalls to ensure they remain clear and free of ice.

3. Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Proper attic insulation is one of the best defenses against winter roof damage. A well-insulated attic keeps warm air inside your home instead of rising to melt snow on the roof. This helps prevent uneven melting and refreezing — the main cause of ice dams.

Equally important is ventilation. Good airflow allows cold air to circulate through the attic, maintaining a consistent temperature across the roof surface. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents all play a role in preventing heat buildup and moisture accumulation.

Sunset Roofing can evaluate your attic’s insulation and ventilation to determine if upgrades are needed. Balanced airflow not only protects your roof but also improves your home’s overall energy efficiency.

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Many homeowners don’t realize how vulnerable their roofs are until a leak appears. By scheduling a professional roof inspection before or during winter, you can catch small problems early — before they lead to costly repairs.

During an inspection, our team checks for:

• Loose, cracked, or missing shingles
• Worn flashing around chimneys and skylights
• Signs of sagging or structural stress
• Blocked vents or gutters
• Moisture or frost in attic insulation

Even newer roofs benefit from an annual inspection, especially in high-snow regions like Rochester. Early detection can save you thousands in potential damage.

5. Address Ice Dams Quickly

If ice dams start forming, it’s important to address them right away. Don’t try to break the ice with tools or use rock salt — both can damage your shingles and gutters. Instead, use calcium chloride safely, or call a professional roofer for controlled ice removal.

Once the ice is cleared, have a qualified roofing contractor assess the underlying cause. Ice dams often indicate issues with insulation, ventilation, or roof slope — all of which Sunset Roofing can help identify and correct.

6. Reinforce Older Roofs Before the Season Starts

If your roof is more than 15 years old or has a history of leaks, reinforcing it before winter is a wise investment. Older materials and weakened decking are more likely to fail under heavy snow or ice loads.

Preventive repairs — such as resealing flashing, tightening fasteners, or replacing worn shingles — can significantly improve your roof’s resilience. In some cases, a full replacement may be the most cost-effective solution before winter arrives.

Our experienced crew can provide honest assessments and practical recommendations based on your roof’s current condition and the severity of local weather patterns.

7. Know When to Call the Professionals

Some homeowners attempt DIY fixes during winter, but climbing onto an icy roof can be extremely dangerous. In addition to safety risks, improper snow removal or sealing can cause more harm than good.

Professional roofers have the training, tools, and safety equipment to handle winter roofing work correctly. From emergency leak repairs to structural reinforcement, Sunset Roofing is equipped to manage any issue — even in subzero temperatures.

What to Watch for After a Heavy Storm

After every major snowfall or ice event, take a few minutes to inspect your home from the ground. Look for signs like:

• Sagging rooflines or uneven snow distribution
• Ice buildup near gutters or soffits
• Water stains appearing on ceilings or walls
• New icicles forming rapidly after a thaw

If you spot any of these warning signs, contact a professional right away. Addressing problems early can prevent interior water damage and help you avoid emergency repair costs later in the season.

How Sunset Roofing Protects Rochester Homes Year-Round

At Sunset Roofing, we’ve built our reputation on quality workmanship and long-term reliability. Our certified installers use premium materials from brands like Owens Corning, Carlisle SynTec, and Velux — all proven to withstand Rochester’s toughest weather.

We provide complete roofing solutions, including commercial roofing, snow and ice damage repair, and roof replacement. Whether your home needs minor maintenance or a full upgrade, our team delivers dependable results you can trust through every season.

Stay Ahead of Winter Damage — Protect Your Roof Today

Rochester’s winter weather won’t wait — and neither should you. A few preventive steps now can make the difference between a simple repair and a major insurance claim later. Protect your investment, your home, and your peace of mind this winter.

Call 585-538-6086 or contact Sunset Roofing today to schedule your winter roof inspection or repair service. Our team is ready to help keep your roof strong, safe, and ready for anything Mother Nature brings.