When winter arrives in Minnesota, it often comes suddenly and with force. One week, the air feels crisp and clear, and the next, heavy snow and high winds can turn a quiet neighborhood into a frozen landscape. Snowstorms in Minnesota do more than blanket your roof. They test it. If a leak appears in the middle of a storm, permanent repairs may not be possible right away. That is when emergency roof repair services become essential for protecting your home.
The Hidden Dangers of Minnesota Snowstorms
Minnesota winters combine beauty with risk. While snow can look picturesque, it also poses a serious threat to your roof. Most winter roofing problems stem from three major causes: heavy snow loads, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles.
1. The Weight of Snow Accumulation
Snow may look light, but wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot. When heavy snow accumulates, it can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to your roof. Roofs that were not built with modern snow load standards can begin to sag under the weight. Over time, this pressure may cause cracked rafters, separated joints, or even partial collapse during extreme weather.
2. Ice Dams and Water Backups
Ice dams are a common issue for Minnesota homeowners. They form when heat from inside your home melts the snow on your roof, causing it to refreeze near the edges where the temperature is lower. The ice buildup prevents melting snow from draining, forcing water under shingles and into your attic or ceiling. Once inside, water can soak insulation, stain drywall, and rot wood framing. A single ice dam can cause thousands of dollars in damage if not addressed quickly.
3. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Fluctuating temperatures cause roofing materials to expand and contract repeatedly. Over time, this loosens nails, cracks shingles, and breaks seals that are meant to keep moisture out. Even high-quality roofing materials can weaken under these repeated stress cycles, allowing water to seep in and cause long-term damage.
What to Do When a Roofing Emergency Strikes
If you suspect your roof has been damaged during a snowstorm, it is important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your home and family.
Stay Indoors and Stay Safe
Never climb onto a snow-covered roof. Ice makes surfaces extremely slippery, and weakened areas could collapse under your weight. Leave the inspection and repair work to trained professionals.
Move Valuables Out of Harm’s Way
If water begins leaking inside, move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. Place buckets under any drips and cover nearby items with plastic sheeting or tarps to prevent further damage.
Document What You See
Take photos or videos of visible roof and interior damage. This documentation will be helpful when filing an insurance claim or discussing repairs with your contractor.
Call a Local Emergency Roofing Company
When immediate repairs are needed, contact Schmidt Roofing. Our team specializes in emergency roof repair for Minnesota snowstorms. We will assess your situation, stabilize the roof, and perform temporary repairs to prevent additional damage until a permanent fix can be made.
How Emergency Roof Repair Works
Emergency roof repair focuses on stabilizing your home and preventing further damage until the weather improves enough for permanent repairs. The process involves three main steps.
Initial Inspection
Our team inspects both the interior and exterior of your home to locate leaks and assess the extent of the damage. We also check for dangerous snow or ice buildup that could cause structural issues. Using moisture meters and infrared imaging, we can identify hidden water infiltration that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Temporary Stabilization
If snow or ice buildup poses an immediate threat, we carefully remove it and apply temporary protection. Tarps, sealants, and flashing patches help prevent additional water from entering your home. These measures are not permanent, but they buy time for your home to dry and prevent damage from worsening.
Permanent Repair
Once weather conditions improve, we return to complete permanent repairs. This may include replacing shingles, flashing, or underlayment. For severe water infiltration, we inspect attic insulation and ventilation systems to make sure your roof is structurally sound. We also perform post-storm assessments to confirm that repairs hold up to future weather conditions.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Roofing problems rarely remain small in a Minnesota winter. A single day of melting and refreezing snow can send water deep under shingles and into wood framing. Waiting until spring to make repairs often allows the damage to worsen, leading to rot, mold, or structural weakening. What might start as a minor leak can turn into the need for a full roof replacement. Emergency repairs may seem like an unexpected expense, but they can actually save you money by stopping the problem before it spreads.
Preventing Future Roofing Emergencies
The best emergency repair is the one you never need. Proactive roof maintenance and preparation can help your home withstand even the toughest Minnesota snowstorms.
Schedule Annual Roof Inspections
We recommend scheduling a professional inspection every fall before winter arrives. Our team can identify and fix minor issues early, giving your roof the strength it needs to face heavy snow and ice.
Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation prevent uneven roof temperatures that cause ice dams. Keeping your attic cool reduces melting snow and helps protect your roof from water intrusion. Adding insulation also improves energy efficiency and comfort throughout your home.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris prevent melting snow from draining properly. Before winter, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear so water can flow away from your roof and foundation.
Remove Snow Safely
If snow buildup becomes excessive, contact our team for safe snow removal. Avoid scraping or chipping at shingles yourself, as this can cause damage and void roof warranties.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Heavy snow can cause overhanging branches to break and fall on your roof. Trimming them before winter reduces the risk of impact damage and helps keep gutters clear.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Minnesota winters are unpredictable, but your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Knowing how to respond to damage quickly can make a major difference in preventing long-term issues. At Schmidt Roofing, we have provided reliable roofing and snow removal services to Burnsville area homeowners since 1991. Contact Schmidt Roofing today for professional emergency roof repair and ensure your home is protected all winter long.
