Winter’s Unexpected Threat: Ice and Water Damage

Despite a trend toward shorter winters across the U.S. and lingering warm temperatures into the fall in much of the country this year, homes are still at risk when freezing temperatures and precipitation arrive. Even in regions that experience milder winters, extreme cold events can happen, and when they do, interior water damage becomes a concern. Frozen pipes and leaky roofs are still among the most common causes of loss that result in an insurance claim. According to Verisk, interior water damage severity rose 8% from 2019 to 2023. Understanding vulnerabilities during freezing temperatures and taking preemptive measures to address them can help reduce risks and prevent costly repairs throughout the holiday season and winter months. 

Common Winter Weather Property Damage 

• Frozen Pipes: Burst pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in the winter. When temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze causing them to expand and burst. In areas with warmer climates, pipes may be along exterior walls making them vulnerable during extended periods of below freezing temperatures, especially if the power or heat goes out.  

• Roof Leaks: The roof is the first line of defense against severe weather. A roof that already has missing or damaged shingles, cracked tiles, or dents is susceptible to leaks when snow, ice or even heavy rain accumulates. Sealants around flashing, especially on older roofs, can contract in colder temperatures creating gaps around chimneys, valleys and exhaust pipes that can create a risk of water intrusion into a home.  

• Ice Dams: Ice dams can form on homes with insufficient attic insulation and improper ventilation. Without proper insulation, heat inside a home escapes into the attic and warms the upper portion of the roof deck. Accumulated snow and ice can then melt, and that meltwater drains down the roof toward a region that is below freezing near the roof eaves. Water can then refreeze, forming an ice dam on the roof. Water that continues to drain down the roof slope can back up behind the ice dam with no place to go except under unsealed shingles or through cracked and damaged shingles, leading to water entering the home through gaps in the wood roof deck and ultimately flowing to the ceiling and exterior walls.  

Preventing Water Damage 

Protecting your home from water damage requires proactive measures to safeguard its structural and internal systems. Take these steps so you’re not left in the cold this year: 

• Improve Roof Condition: Inspect the roof for leaks, loose shingles or any signs of wear. Early detection and repair can prevent more severe damage during winter storms. 

• Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, basements and crawl spaces, to prevent freezing and bursting. For homes in the Southeast and Gulf Coast, pipes may be along exterior walls leaving them more susceptible if temperatures drop, so it’s important to keep heat in. Caulk and seal any cracks or gaps on your home’s exterior, add weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and operable windows, and set the thermostat to at least 55°F, even when no one is home. This will help ensure sufficient heat is present in the house to reduce the likelihood of freezing pipes. 

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris, such as leaves, which can block proper water drainage when freezing rain, snow and ice come your way. This can cause water to back up into your roof system.  

• Adequate Attic Insulation and Ventilation: Ensure your attic has sufficient insulation to keep warm air inside your home and proper ventilation to prevent heat from escaping into your attic. This also can reduce the risk of ice dams. 

• Upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof: Protect against high winds and water intrusion, including from ice dams during winter weather. Based on decades of Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) research, FORTIFIED provides protection from high winds and keeps the rain out. While these hazards are often associated with other seasons, a FORTIFIED Roof’s sealed roof deck can be a game-changer for winter too.  

Discover the FORTIFIED Difference 

Upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof for better protection against winter weather conditions. FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against high wind events like hurricanes, hail and tornadoes. Tens of thousands of FORTIFIED homes have been tested during the past seven hurricane seasons and studies and post-disaster investigations have found significant reductions in not only the likelihood of homeowners filing insurance claims, but also the cost of those claims if necessary following severe weather.  

The same FORTIFIED Roof system that keeps water and wind out during a thunderstorm or hurricane can also help prevent winter weather damage. FORTIFIED’s locked down edges create a strong bond between the shingle starter strip and shingles and the eave drip flashing, helping to prevent ice dams from lifting shingles and causing roof damage. It works in tandem with FORTIFIED’s sealed roof deck, which prevents water from seeping into the home through gaps in the wood roof deck. 

Self-adhered membrane underlayment, also known as ice and water shield, offers some protection, but most roofers only install it over the first three feet of the roof at the bottom of the roof slope. This leaves the rest of the roof vulnerable to the elements and at risk of water seeping in from freezing rain, ice dams and other winter elements. A properly installed sealed roof deck, like on a FORTIFIED Roof, can reduce potential water entry by as much as 95%. 

Water damage is a costly risk homeowners face each winter. Whether from burst pipes, roof leaks, or ice dams, these issues can cause severe damage if not addressed early. But you can protect your property from the impact of winter weather by taking proactive steps to prevent damage available in the IBHS Winter Ready guide with helpful checklists to help you get started.  

To learn more about FORTIFIED, find a certified FORTIFIED roofing professional, and ensure your home is winter ready, visit our resources: 

Winter Ready Guide
Take the FORTIFIED Assessment
Find a Professional
Contact Us 

Read more of our tips and ideas in the Homeowner Resources section.