Southwest Missouri just saw its first significant snowfall of the season, and while snow can make the landscape beautiful, it can also place unexpected stress on roofing systems. Whether you have asphalt shingles, metal roofing, a flat roof, or an older storm-damaged structure, heavy snow can reveal weaknesses that were never visible before.

Understanding how snow affects different types of roofs and what warning signs to watch for can help prevent damage before it becomes a costly problem. Here’s what Missouri homeowners should know after a major snowfall.

How Much Snow Weight Can a Roof Handle?

Most residential roofs in the Midwest are designed to handle a snow load between 20 and 40 pounds per square foot, depending on construction, roof pitch, and age. However, not all snow is equal.

• Light, powdery snow weighs far less
• Wet, dense snow can weigh up to four times more
• Ice layers increase the load significantly

Heavy snow accumulation is especially risky for:

• Older roofs
• Roofs with previous storm damage
• Flat or low-slope roofs
• Roofs with patched or temporary repairs
• Homes with hidden decking rot or sagging rafters

If your roof already had soft spots or weakened areas before winter, snow load can turn a minor issue into a structural concern.

Warning Signs That Your Roof Is Under Stress

Snow load and trapped moisture can cause visible and audible signs that your roof is struggling.

Watch for:

• Sagging in the roofline
• Interior doors that suddenly stick
• New cracks in drywall or ceiling seams
• Creaking or popping sounds during temperature drops
• Water stains after snow begins to melt
• Excess snow buildup on one section of the roof more than others
• Gutters drooping or pulling away from the home

If you observe more than one of these signs, your roof may be under distress and should be evaluated by a professional.

Ice Dams: One of Winter’s Most Damaging Roof Problems

Ice dams form when:

1. Heat from inside the home melts the snow on the roof

2. Meltwater flows downward

3. Water refreezes near the roof edge, forming a ridge of ice

Once that ridge freezes solid, it traps water behind it. This backed-up water can:

• Seep under shingles
• Damage underlayment
• Leak into attics and ceilings
• Cause mold and insulation damage

Ice dams are not just a winter inconvenience. They are often a symptom of ventilation issues, insufficient insulation, or existing roof vulnerabilities.

Why Melting Snow Often Reveals Hidden Leaks

The melt cycle is often when homeowners first discover winter roof damage.

As temperatures rise, melting snow creates a slow, steady stream of water across the roof. If there were any previously hidden weak points—hail bruising, lifted shingles, nail pops, or small cracks—meltwater finds its way inside.

Common signs include:

• Drips after the snow starts melting
• Wet insulation in the attic
• Stains appearing overnight
• Dampness around vents or chimneys

These leaks often go unnoticed until enough water accumulates—making early detection critical.

Clearing Snow From Your Roof: When to Do It and When NOT to

When Snow Removal Is Appropriate

Homeowners should consider professional snow removal if:

• Snow is more than 6–8 inches deep
• You hear unusual popping or creaking noises
• Rooflines appear uneven or sagging
• Ice dams have already formed
• Your roof had known pre-winter damage

Professional teams use equipment that avoids damaging shingles or gutters.

When NOT to Remove Snow Yourself

Avoid DIY snow removal if:

• Your roof is pitched and slippery
• You lack proper safety equipment
• You’re using metal tools that can damage shingles
• Ice layers are present

It is safer to leave snow removal to trained professionals. A fall or an incorrect tool can cause more damage than the snow itself.

How Snow Melt Exposes Storm Damage From Earlier in the Year

Missouri sees frequent wind and hail events throughout spring, summer, and fall. Some damage is subtle at first:

• Hail bruises
• Granule loss
• Lifted shingles
• Minor cracks
• Weakening around vents or flashing

Snow melt acts like a stress test. Constant moisture exposes every weak point. What appeared to be “cosmetic” damage in June can become a leak by December.

This is why many winter leaks trace back to storms that happened months earlier.

After the Snow Melts, Schedule a Post-Storm Inspection

The period right after snow begins to melt is the best time to discover:

• Hidden leaks
• Structural damage
• Weak shingles
• Clogged or broken gutters
• Early ice dam formation
• Storm damage exposed by moisture

A professional inspection can:

• Document issues for insurance
• Identify small leaks before they spread
• Address structural concerns
• Prevent mold or interior damage
• Provide winter repair solutions
• Prepare your roof for the remainder of the season

At Advanced Restorations, our team is trained to identify winter-related roof damage and uncover issues caused by past storms. We provide thorough documentation, photos, and repair recommendations to help keep your home safe through the cold months.

Protect Your Home This Winter

Winter is one of the harshest seasons for Missouri roofs. Heavy snow, melting cycles, and hidden storm damage can create serious challenges if not addressed early.

Schedule your post-storm winter inspection with Advanced Restorations.

A quick check now can prevent costly repairs later.