Winter in Rochester, NY brings its own set of roofing challenges — heavy snow, ice buildup, wind, and constant freeze-thaw cycles that can quietly damage your roof over time. Many homeowners don’t think about scheduling a roof inspection until a problem appears, but by then, it’s often too late. Regular inspections during the colder months can help identify small issues before they lead to costly repairs or interior water damage.

At Sunset Roofing, we help homeowners and business owners stay proactive about roof maintenance — especially during harsh Western New York winters. Here’s how to know when it’s time to schedule a professional winter roof inspection.

1. You’re Seeing Ice Dams or Icicles Forming

One of the most common warning signs that your roof needs attention is the presence of ice dams or large icicles forming along your eaves. Ice dams occur when heat escapes from your attic, melts snow on your roof, and refreezes at the edges — creating a barrier that traps melting water. Over time, this trapped water seeps beneath shingles and causes leaks.

During an inspection, our team checks attic insulation, ventilation, and flashing integrity to prevent ice buildup before it leads to water damage inside your home.

2. You Notice Water Stains or Damp Spots Indoors

If you’re starting to see brown spots on your ceiling, peeling paint near rooflines, or damp patches in the attic, it’s time for a roof inspection. These are often signs of a slow leak caused by damaged shingles or flashing — and they rarely fix themselves.

Our inspectors use moisture detection tools and visual assessments to pinpoint the source of the problem before it spreads further through insulation, drywall, or framing.

3. Shingles Look Cracked, Curled, or Missing

Shingle wear is one of the easiest ways to tell your roof may be vulnerable. Rochester’s combination of heavy snowfall and wind gusts can loosen or curl asphalt shingles, exposing the roof deck underneath. Even a few missing shingles can allow water to infiltrate during a thaw.

A residential roof inspection will identify whether the damage is isolated and repairable — or if a more extensive replacement is needed to maintain long-term protection.

4. You Hear Dripping or Smell Moisture in the Attic

During freeze-thaw cycles, melting snow can seep into small cracks and re-freeze overnight, expanding gaps in the roof deck. If you hear dripping after a daytime thaw or smell musty odors in the attic, moisture has likely made its way inside.

Our inspectors check attic rafters, insulation, and vapor barriers to determine whether moisture is entering from above and how to stop it at the source. Left unaddressed, this can lead to mold growth and significant energy loss.

5. Your Gutters Are Overflowing or Clogged with Granules

Gutters filled with shingle granules are a major sign of roof wear. Over time, weather and UV exposure cause asphalt shingles to shed their protective top layer. When that granule loss becomes visible in your gutters, it’s a clear sign your roof is aging and losing durability.

Additionally, clogged or frozen gutters can cause water to back up under the shingles — especially during a winter thaw. A roof inspection can ensure your drainage system is functioning properly to prevent leaks and ice dams.

6. Interior Temperature Fluctuations or High Energy Bills

If certain rooms in your home feel colder than others, or if your heating bills have suddenly spiked, your attic insulation or ventilation could be failing. Poor airflow allows heat to build up beneath your roof, melting snow unevenly and contributing to long-term roof damage.

During a professional inspection, Sunset Roofing evaluates attic ventilation and insulation performance to ensure your home stays energy-efficient and your roof remains protected all winter long.

7. You See Sagging or Uneven Rooflines

A sagging roof is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored. Snow and ice accumulation can put thousands of pounds of stress on roof trusses and decking. Over time, that weight can cause the structure to bow or dip in the middle.

During an inspection, our team checks the roof’s structural integrity and ensures the decking is still sound. In severe cases, we may recommend partial reinforcement or replacement to restore safety and stability.

8. Your Roof Is Over 15 Years Old

Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, materials naturally deteriorate over time. Once a roof reaches 15–20 years old, regular inspections become essential — especially after heavy snow or windstorms. Many leaks start small, forming under shingles or flashing where they can’t be seen until damage spreads inside.

Scheduling annual winter inspections ensures your roof can handle Rochester’s toughest months without surprises come spring.

9. You Recently Experienced a Wind or Ice Storm

Western New York’s winter storms can cause hidden damage that isn’t always visible from the ground. High winds can lift shingles or loosen flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys — allowing water to penetrate once the snow begins to melt.

After any major storm, it’s smart to schedule a professional roof inspection. Our trained crew knows where to look for subtle signs of storm damage and can make quick repairs before they turn into bigger problems.

10. You Haven’t Had an Inspection in Over a Year

If it’s been more than a year since your last roof inspection, winter is the perfect time to schedule one. Snow and ice can expose weaknesses in your roof’s structure, and catching those early means fewer emergencies later.

Routine maintenance inspections from Sunset Roofing provide peace of mind — knowing that your home is protected and your roof is ready to handle whatever winter brings.

Why a Professional Roof Inspection Matters in Rochester. NY 

While some homeowners try to visually inspect their own roofs from the ground, many forms of winter damage aren’t visible without proper training and equipment. Professional roof inspections include:

• Close-up examination of shingles, flashing, vents, and seals
• Attic moisture and insulation checks
• Gutter and downspout assessments
• Thermal imaging (when applicable) to detect hidden leaks or cold spots
• Written reports detailing the roof’s condition and recommended next steps

At Sunset Roofing, we don’t just look for obvious issues — we evaluate your entire roofing system to ensure long-term durability and safety through Rochester’s unpredictable winters.

How Often Should You Schedule a Roof Inspection?

We recommend having your roof inspected at least once per year — ideally before or during the winter season. In Rochester, the combination of lake-effect snow, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures makes semi-annual inspections (fall and spring) ideal for preventing major damage.

Even if your roof appears to be in good condition, early detection of loose shingles, damaged flashing, or moisture buildup can save you thousands in potential repairs.

Why Rochester Homeowners Choose Sunset Roofing

Sunset Roofing is proud to serve the Greater Rochester area with trusted residential and commercial roofing services. Our team combines craftsmanship, safety, and premium materials to deliver results that last. Whether you need a full inspection, minor repair, or complete roof replacement, we’ll help you make the right call for your home and budget.

Our work is built on quality, reliability, and transparency — and it shows in every job we complete.

Schedule Your Winter Roof Inspection Today

Don’t wait until water starts dripping or stains appear on your ceiling. By the time you see visible signs of damage, the problem has already spread. Be proactive and protect your home before the next snowfall.

Call 585-538-6086 or contact Sunset Roofing today to schedule your winter roof inspection in Rochester, NY. Our team will ensure your roof is ready to handle whatever the season brings.