Discovering a roof leak is stressful any time of year—but during winter, it brings extra challenges. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make roof repairs more complex, and ignoring the problem can quickly lead to bigger (and more expensive) damage.
At Sweet Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Colorado and Idaho deal with winter roofing emergencies. If you’ve noticed water spots on the ceiling, dripping around windows, or moisture in the attic this season, here’s what to do next.
As soon as you spot a leak, try to contain the water to prevent further interior damage. Use:
If water is coming through a bulging ceiling, carefully poke a small hole to release the buildup and relieve pressure—this may prevent a full ceiling collapse.
Before cleaning up completely, take photos of the leak and any damage to your walls, ceilings, or belongings. This documentation is useful if you file a homeowner’s insurance claim or need repair records for warranty purposes.
Winter roof leaks require fast action from an experienced roofer. Snow and ice can mask the true source of the leak, so it’s important to work with someone who understands cold-weather roofing and regional building codes.
At Sweet Roofing, we offer:
We respond quickly and work efficiently, even in harsh winter conditions.
In cold climates like Colorado and Idaho, ice dams are a leading cause of winter roof leaks. These form when warm air from your attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the edge—trapping water behind it.
Ice dams can cause water to back up under your shingles and leak into your home.
Warning signs include:
If you suspect an ice dam, do not try to remove it yourself. Chiseling or salting can cause more harm than good. Sweet Roofing offers safe, professional ice dam removal and prevention solutions.
Once the immediate leak is under control, it’s important to schedule a full inspection to identify the root cause. Temporary winter repairs may hold for a few weeks, but permanent fixes are best completed once weather conditions improve.
A full inspection will look for:
We’ll also help you prepare a repair plan, so you’re ready to act as soon as temperatures rise.
Roof leaks in winter won’t go away on their own—in fact, they can get worse with every freeze-thaw cycle. Acting fast can help you avoid:
Whether you need emergency patchwork or long-term solutions, Sweet Roofing is here to help you through it.
📞 Colorado: (970) 371-8975
📞 Idaho: (208) 556-3577
📍 Request emergency service or schedule a roof inspection