What’s the biggest threat to my roof in the winter?
Wind is the gateway to roof damage, raising shingle tabs and allowing the shingles around it to be ripped or blown off. Freezing weather is the key to more significant damage once the weakness is exposed, though. In freezing temperatures, or even temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt shingles can become rigid or brittle and much more susceptible to damage from the weather.
Wind and hail were responsible for over 42% of homeowners’ losses claimed in 2023 according to Verisk/Triple-I data. Awareness of the state of your home, and especially the condition of your roof, are key details to keep in mind before winter storm season arrives.
Which winter storms bring the most wind threat to homes?
Blizzards - While they may be thought of as simply a massive snowstorm, blizzards are wind events, first and foremost. The definition of a blizzard includes a sustained wind speed of 35 m.p.h., visibility that’s reduced to less than a quarter-mile, and a sustained duration of at least three consecutive hours.
Bomb cyclones - These winter storms are triggered by rapid drops in atmospheric pressure: at least 24 millibars in under 24 hours. Bomb cyclones bring strong, often damaging wind and heavy precipitation as results of the pressure change.
Nor’easters - Northeasterly winds name these winter storms that may be a kind of blizzard, but may not bring any snowfall at all. Nor’easters are defined by the direction of the winds that create them, and the path they follow after that. Some nor’easters may only drop heavy rain without the frozen precipitation that others produce.
Which months are worst for roof-damaging winter storms?
December through February bring freezing temperatures that put shingled residential roofs in danger of taking damage from high winds and ice. Shingles that weren’t properly sealed or are older can fail at lower speeds than those at which they’re rated.
Does winter weather affect the integrity of shingled roof installation?
Yes, your roof could see issues if the shingles were installed in the winter. Near-freezing temperatures can reduce the adhesion and pliability of shingles, which bond best with the application of heat.
If your home’s roof needs to be repaired during the winter, confirm with your roofer that they have hand sealed the shingles they’ve installed. Shingle manufacturers do not recommend installing asphalt shingles at temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the needed roof repairs cannot be delayed until the weather warms up, four small placements of roof cement can be used to secure every shingle to be replaced.
Which states can expect the worst 2026-27 winter storm season?
Texas, Nebraska, parts of Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois all show signs of facing winter storms including significantly higher precipitation levels than in recent years.
Both east and west coastal states also receive strong winds with heavy precipitation from offshore weather systems, but the states listed above are due an unusual level of freezing precipitation this season, according to cited sources.
What can homeowners do to prevent winter storm damage?
Follow a winter inspection checklist to be better prepared for winter storms before the season arrives.
- Inspect your home from the ground. Use binoculars if you have them. Scan your roof for missing or displaced shingles or any kind of damage, including curled-up or cracked asphalt shingles.
- Walk around your home and check for any overhanging or damaged limbs near the structure. Trim or remove any that could pose a threat.
- Clean out your gutters and confirm that any gutter covers are securely in place.
- Check your attic for proper insulation and ventilation. This can help eliminate leaks that could contribute to exterior ice buildup on roof surfaces or in gutters, also called ice dams.
- Secure tools, decor, and recreational items around the exterior of your home that could cause damage in high winds.
What kind of insurance should I have before winter storms hit?
Confirm with your insurance agent that your homeowners policy includes protection from wind and hail, snow and ice, and any other winter hazards that may be common in your area. If the coverage you need is not available as part of a base home insurance policy in your market, ask about supplemental insurance that can complete your coverage needs.
Wind and hail, along with some other high-risk perils, can bring with them additional deductibles that may add significant cost to a homeowner’s total insurance bill each month.
A deductible relief policy can help ease the cost of a complete home insurance portfolio. In the case of a percentage-based wind and hail deductible on your home that could mean you’d owe $10,000 up front and out of pocket if you ever needed to file a claim, Sola’s Wind and Hail Insurance policy can help cover that deductible and eliminate the threat of a huge out-of-pocket cost during a stressful time.
Get a quote for Sola Wind & Hail coverage today
Sources:
“East Coast Bomb Cyclone Seen by NOAA’s GOES-16 Satellite”, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Jan. 04, 2018, https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/east-coast-bomb-cyclone-seen-by-noaas-goes-16-satellite/
Messer, Kathryn. “Does my home insurance cover snow damage?”, Liberty Mutual Insurance Resources, Sept. 21, 2026, https://www.libertymutual.com/insurance-resources/property/does-home-insurance-cover-snow-damage
“Protect Your Home from Damaging Winter Weather”, NAIC Consumer Insight, Jan. 24, 2022, https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-protect-your-home-damaging-winter-weather
Thomas, Matthew. “New Map Shows U.S. States Facing a 'Particularly Stormy Winter”, Yahoo News, Oct. 27, 2026, https://www.yahoo.com/news/weather-news/articles/map-shows-u-states-facing-150109881.html
Gray is the Senior Content Specialist at Sola Insurance, working with the Sales and Marketing teams to provide helpful, valuable content for homeowners and agents. Gray has worked previously in finance, logistics, and advertising.
