North Idaho Winter Roof Damage: What to Do After a Storm

What Should You Do After a Winter Storm Damages Your Roof?

Stay safe, photograph the damage, protect the inside of your home, call a roofer for an emergency tarp, report the claim, and meet the adjuster before any permanent repairs.

1. Stay safe

   Don't climb onto the roof. After a storm it can be icy, wet, or weakened. From the ground, look for shingles in the yard, dented gutters, and branches on the roof, and look inside for water stains.

2. Document the damage

   Take photos and video of everything you can see from the ground and inside, before anything is cleaned up.

3. Protect the inside

   Put buckets under drips and move furniture and valuables away from leaks. If you can reach the attic safely, check it for active leaks too.

4. Get an emergency tarp

   Call Lakeview at (208) 661-1781. We typically respond to storm damage the same day, within 24 hours, to tarp the roof and keep more water out.

5. Report the claim

   Call your insurance company or agent as soon as you know there's damage and decide to file. Get a claim number and ask how long you have to file.

6. Meet the adjuster

   The adjuster inspects the roof and takes photos and measurements. Have your roofer there if you can, to point out damage that's easy to miss.

7. Repair the roof

   Once you and your insurer agree on the scope of the damage, we schedule the repair or replacement.

The Idaho Department of Insurance tells homeowners to prevent further damage by covering a damaged roof with a tarp or other waterproof material, to keep all receipts for emergency repairs, and not to make permanent repairs before talking with the insurance company. For the full process, read how to file a roof insurance claim in Idaho.

What Kinds of Winter Roof Damage Happen in North Idaho?

The usual winter problems are ice dams at the eaves, shingles lifted or torn off by wind, the weight of heavy snow and ice, and branches that break under snow and fall on the roof.

Homes built with permits in Coeur d'Alene are designed for at least 40 pounds per square foot of roof snow. Older roofs may not meet that minimum, and manufactured homes were designed for 30 until recently. See our snow load guide for the figures in other Kootenai County cities.

Should You Shovel Snow Off Your Roof?

That's your decision. The City of Coeur d'Alene doesn't make recommendations on when to remove roof snow, and it warns that shoveling or raking can damage the roof and lead to falls and injuries. If you're worried about the structure, consult an Idaho licensed engineer.

Flat and low-slope roofs (less than 3:12) hold more snow moisture, so watch them more closely. A sagging ceiling, cracking sounds, or doors that suddenly stick are reasons to clear the area and get the roof checked.

Does Insurance Cover Winter Storm Roof Damage?

It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says homeowners policies in most states cover windstorm and hail damage. Ask your insurer how your policy treats ice dams and snow weight, and whether you have a separate wind deductible.

We work directly with insurance adjusters and can be there for the inspection. Before you hire anyone after a storm, ask for their Idaho contractor registration number. Idaho law requires contractors to be registered, and the Idaho Department of Insurance notes that reputable contractors usually don't ask for a large payment upfront.

How Do You Prevent Winter Roof Damage Next Year?

Have the roof inspected in the fall, before the snow, and fix small problems like loose shingles, worn flashing, and clogged gutters. A well-insulated, ventilated attic reduces ice dams.

Lakeview's roof inspections are free. Schedule a roof inspection, work through our pre-winter roof checklist, and read why roof ventilation matters here.