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When it comes to weather, Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice. Snowstorms can dump heavy blankets of snow overnight, and hailstorms can arrive out of nowhere, leaving behind dings, cracks, and even leaks. If you're a homeowner, your roof is the first line of defense—and one of the most vulnerable parts of your house.
That raises an important question: Does your roof need special protection against snow or hail?
Let’s break it down in simple terms—what snow and hail can do to your roof, how to tell if your current roof is up for the challenge, and what kind of protection solutions are available, including options from experienced professionals like Burton Roofing.
At first glance, snow might seem harmless. After all, it’s just frozen water, right? Not quite.
Weight Load: Snow can become incredibly heavy, especially when it’s wet. Just a few feet of snow can put thousands of pounds of pressure on your roof.
Ice Dams: When snow melts and refreezes, it can create ice dams along the edge of your roof. These dams trap water, forcing it under your shingles and into your attic.
Water Damage: Snow that melts too quickly due to poor insulation or roofing can lead to serious leaks inside your home.
Hail can be deceptively destructive. Even small hailstones can crack shingles, break tiles, or expose the underlayment.
Shingle Bruising: Asphalt shingles can get pitted or bruised, weakening their integrity.
Granule Loss: Hail knocks off protective granules from shingles, reducing their ability to shield your home from UV rays and moisture.
Cracks and Holes: Larger hail can puncture roofing materials, especially if they’re already aging or brittle.
The result? A roof that may look fine from the ground but is slowly allowing water and cold air into your home.
Not every roof is created equal, and not every climate requires the same kind of defense. Still, if you live in an area where snowstorms or hail are regular winter guests, here are some signs that your roof may need reinforcement:
Your shingles are curling, cracking, or missing.
You’ve had previous leaks during winter months.
Your attic shows signs of moisture or mold.
You see icicles forming along the edge of the roof.
Neighbors have hail-resistant roofing, and you don’t.
Your roof is more than 15–20 years old.
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to consult a trusted roofing expert like Burton Roofing for an evaluation.
Certain roofing materials naturally stand up better to snow and hail. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Special Class 4 impact-rated shingles are designed to resist cracking and bruising from hail. They’re also more flexible, which helps them resist damage in freeze-thaw conditions.
Metal roofs are known for their durability and snow-shedding capabilities. Snow slides off more easily, reducing buildup. Many types of metal roofs also resist denting from hailstones.
Slate is dense, durable, and highly resistant to both hail and snow. However, it’s heavy and requires strong structural support.
Newer synthetic shingles mimic the appearance of wood or slate but are made from rubber or polymer blends that are incredibly resistant to impact and temperature changes.
If you’re not sure which material is best for your climate or home design, Burton Roofing can offer recommendations based on your location and budget.
Beyond choosing the right material, there are several ways to add extra protection to your roof.
Installed underneath shingles, these waterproof barriers prevent melting snow from seeping into your home, especially in vulnerable areas like roof valleys and eaves.
Heating cables help melt snow before it turns into ice dams. They’re especially useful in homes with poor attic ventilation or roof angles that trap snow.
Snow guards prevent large sheets of snow from sliding off all at once, which can damage gutters or pose a safety hazard.
The best defense is knowing what’s going on with your roof. Burton Roofing offers inspections to identify vulnerabilities before they turn into major repairs.
When it comes to protecting your home, working with experienced, reliable professionals makes all the difference. That’s where Burton Roofing comes in.
Here’s what they offer:
Detailed Roof Inspections for snow and hail readiness.
Material Recommendations tailored to your climate and home.
Certified Installation of hail-resistant and snow-ready roofing systems.
Preventative Maintenance Plans to keep your roof in top shape year-round.
Emergency Repair Services if a storm does cause damage.
With years of hands-on experience, Burton Roofing has helped countless homeowners prepare for and recover from extreme weather.
Even the strongest roof needs some care. Follow these tips to extend your roof’s life and prevent winter damage:
Clean your gutters before winter. Clogged gutters cause water backups that lead to ice dams.
Trim tree branches. Snow-laden branches can snap and fall on your roof.
Check insulation and ventilation. Poor attic airflow leads to uneven snow melting and refreezing.
Schedule a pre-winter inspection. A professional eye can spot hidden issues before they become major expenses.
Many homeowners assume that insurance covers all hail or snow-related damage—but policies vary. Some important things to know:
Impact-resistant roofing may earn discounts on premiums.
Failure to maintain your roof (e.g., ignoring obvious wear and tear) may void claims.
Document your roof’s condition with photos and professional evaluations.
Burton Roofing can also help with storm damage documentation for insurance purposes.
Snow and hail are some of the most destructive forces your home will face. If your roof isn’t properly protected, the cost of repairs—or worse, full replacement—can hit hard.
The good news? With the right materials, smart upgrades, and expert help from Burton Roofing, your roof can be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Don’t wait for the next big storm. Protect your roof—and your peace of mind—starting today.
Signs include missing granules on shingles, cracked or bruised spots, dents in flashing or vents, and water leaks. A professional inspection by a company like Burton Roofing is the best way to confirm damage.
Metal roofing is excellent for shedding snow quickly, while synthetic and impact-resistant shingles are also good for preventing damage from snow and ice dams.
Heating cables can help prevent ice dams, especially in colder climates with heavy snowfall. They’re not always necessary, but can be a valuable solution for problem areas.
Does Your Roof Need Special Protection Against Snow or Hail?
