When the first snowflakes start to fall in Rochester, NY, most homeowners are busy pulling out winter coats, prepping the furnace, and stocking up on rock salt — but one critical part of winter prep often gets overlooked: your roof. With lake-effect snow, freezing rain, and rapid temperature swings, your home’s roof faces some of the harshest conditions in the country. The question is — can it handle another winter?

At Sunset Roofing LLC, we’ve helped hundreds of Western New York homeowners inspect, repair, and replace their roofs before costly winter damage set in. Here’s how to tell if your roof is ready — or if it’s time to take action before the first major snowfall hits.

Why Rochester’s Winters Are So Hard on Roofs

Before diving into warning signs, it helps to understand what makes Rochester winters so demanding. Between lake-effect snow, fluctuating temperatures, and strong winds off Lake Ontario, the freeze-thaw cycle here is brutal on roofing systems. Every time snow melts during a warm-up and refreezes overnight, shingles, flashing, and underlayment materials expand and contract. Over time, that movement causes cracks, leaks, and structural stress.

Combine that with heavy snow loads, ice dams, and wind gusts that can top 50 mph — and even a small roofing issue can turn into a major problem by February. The key is to catch vulnerabilities early.

1. Look for Missing, Curling, or Cracked Shingles

Your shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against snow and moisture. If they’re curling, cracked, or missing altogether, water can easily penetrate beneath them, leading to leaks and wood rot.

After a storm or heavy wind event, step outside and scan your roof from the ground with binoculars or a camera zoom. Look for shingles that are:

• Visibly lifted or missing
• Cracked along the edges
• Curled upward (especially on south-facing slopes)
• Discolored — a sign of age or water damage

If you see any of these issues, it’s time for a professional inspection. Shingle damage rarely improves on its own, and Rochester’s winter weather will only make it worse. Residential roofing repairs done in fall can save you from mid-winter leaks or emergency calls.

2. Check the Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a crucial role in keeping meltwater away from your roof and foundation. If they’re clogged with leaves or ice, water backs up and freezes — forming ice dams that trap moisture under your shingles.

Before temperatures drop, clean out all debris and check for:

• Loose or sagging sections
• Rust or leaks at seams
• Improper slope preventing drainage
• Downspouts that discharge too close to the foundation

If your gutters routinely clog or overflow, consider adding gutter guards or heat cables to prevent ice buildup. These small upgrades can make a big difference when Rochester’s snow starts piling up.

3. Inspect Your Attic for Signs of Moisture

One of the most overlooked warning signs of roof trouble is hidden inside your home — in the attic. Moisture or mold in the attic often means your roof is allowing warm air to escape or cold air to seep in, which can create condensation and ice dams.

During your next attic check, look for:

• Damp insulation or water stains on the underside of the roof decking
• Frost forming on nails or rafters
• Mold or mildew odors
• Sunlight visible through small gaps or nail holes

Proper attic ventilation and insulation are just as important as roof surface condition. They help regulate temperature, minimize condensation, and prevent costly moisture damage.

4. Examine Flashing Around Chimneys, Skylights, and Vents

Flashing — the thin metal material sealing joints and transitions on your roof — is a common point of failure, especially in Rochester’s freeze-thaw climate. If flashing becomes loose, cracked, or corroded, it allows water to seep into your roof deck and interior walls.

Areas to pay attention to include:

• Chimney bases and sidewalls
• Vents and exhaust pipes
• Skylights
• Roof-to-wall intersections

Damaged flashing can often be repaired without replacing your entire roof, but ignoring it can lead to structural damage and costly interior repairs come spring.

5. Watch for Ice Dams and Icicles

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home and melts snow unevenly on the roof. The melted water refreezes near the eaves, creating a thick ridge of ice that traps additional meltwater. Over time, that trapped water seeps under shingles, leading to leaks, insulation damage, and stained ceilings.

Large, persistent icicles hanging from your gutters are often a warning sign of ice dam formation. Prevent them by ensuring proper attic insulation and ventilation, and by safely clearing snow after heavy storms. For older roofs, installing a water-resistant underlayment along the eaves provides extra protection against ice dam damage.

6. Check for Sagging or Uneven Areas

If your roof appears to sag or dip in certain spots, it could mean that the decking beneath your shingles is weakened — often from long-term moisture damage or excessive snow load. In Rochester, where snow can accumulate for weeks at a time, this is a serious concern.

Uneven roof lines or soft spots you can feel when walking in the attic are both red flags. Don’t wait until the next heavy snowfall; contact Sunset Roofing LLC for a full inspection to assess whether reinforcement or replacement is needed.

7. Evaluate the Age of Your Roof

Even the best-installed roof has a lifespan. Asphalt shingles typically last 20–25 years, while architectural shingles can last up to 30. If your roof is nearing or past that age, it may be time to consider replacement — especially if you’re already noticing wear or leaks.

Rochester’s winter weather accelerates aging, so a 20-year-old roof here may show more wear than a roof of the same age in milder climates. A professional inspection can help you weigh whether repairs or a full replacement make more financial sense before winter arrives.

8. Pay Attention to Your Energy Bills

If your heating bills are rising even though your furnace is working fine, your roof or attic insulation might be to blame. Warm air escaping through your roof not only drives up energy costs but also contributes to ice dams and condensation.

Having your attic insulation evaluated before winter can improve both comfort and efficiency — and prevent expensive roof issues caused by uneven heat distribution.

9. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Before the First Snowfall

There’s no substitute for a trained eye. A professional inspection from Sunset Roofing LLC can uncover early signs of deterioration that the average homeowner might miss. We assess shingle condition, flashing integrity, attic ventilation, and structural soundness — all crucial factors for surviving Rochester’s winter storms.

Even if your roof seems fine from the ground, hidden issues like small cracks, nail pops, or moisture infiltration can worsen quickly once snow and ice accumulate. Getting ahead of the problem is always less expensive than dealing with emergency repairs in January.

When It’s Time to Replace Instead of Repair

Sometimes, small repairs aren’t enough. If your roof shows multiple signs of aging — widespread shingle loss, recurring leaks, sagging, or excessive granule loss — replacement might be the smarter long-term investment. Modern roofing systems are built to better withstand Rochester’s climate and come with advanced underlayments and improved energy efficiency.

At Sunset Roofing LLC, we use top-quality materials and proper installation techniques to ensure your new roof provides decades of protection against Western New York’s toughest winters.

Stay Ahead of Winter Roof Problems with Sunset Roofing

Winter in Rochester doesn’t wait — and neither should you. Taking a little time now to check your roof can prevent major headaches when the snow piles up. Whether you need a quick inspection, minor repairs, or a full replacement, Sunset Roofing LLC has the experience and local knowledge to keep your home safe and dry all season long.

Call (585) 538-6086 or contact us online to schedule your winter roof inspection today. Our team proudly serves homeowners throughout Rochester and Western New York with reliable, professional roofing services built for our climate.