New England winters are brutal on roofs. Between heavy snowfall, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and nor'easters, your roof takes more punishment in a single season than most roofs see in years. Spring is the perfect time to assess the damage and get ahead of problems before they escalate.
Here's the step-by-step checklist our crew at Peak Exteriors uses when evaluating roofs after winter.
1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Start at ground level. Walk around your home and look for gutters that are sagging, pulling away from the fascia, or clogged with debris. Winter ice can warp and bend gutter systems, and blocked gutters lead to water pooling against your roof edge — exactly where you don't want it.
What to look for:
2. Look for Missing or Damaged Shingles
From the ground (or with binoculars), scan your roof for obvious gaps, curling, or cracked shingles. High winds and ice can lift, crack, or tear shingles loose entirely. Even a few missing shingles can expose underlayment and decking to moisture.
Pro tip: Pay extra attention to the edges and ridgelines — these areas take the most wind load.
3. Inspect Flashing Around Penetrations
Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall-to-roof transitions is one of the most common leak sources. Winter expansion and contraction can break sealant bonds and shift metal flashing.
Look for:
4. Check for Ice Dam Damage
If you had icicles forming along your eaves this winter, there's a good chance ice dams were at work. Ice dams trap meltwater behind ridges of ice, forcing it under shingles and into your home.
Signs of ice dam damage:
5. Examine the Attic
Head into the attic with a flashlight. Look for daylight coming through the roof boards, water stains on the underside of the decking, and any signs of mold or mildew. Proper ventilation is critical — if your attic feels damp or stuffy, you may have a ventilation problem that accelerates roof deterioration.
6. Assess Ventilation and Soffit Vents
Blocked soffit vents are a common culprit behind ice dams and premature shingle failure. Make sure all vents are clear of insulation, debris, and paint. Adequate airflow through the attic keeps temperatures even and prevents moisture buildup.
7. Look at the Overall Roofline
Step back and look at your roofline from across the street. Does it look straight and even? Any sagging, dipping, or waviness can indicate structural issues with the decking or rafters underneath. This is especially important on older homes.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot any of the issues above — or if your roof is over 15 years old — it's worth scheduling a professional inspection. Many problems aren't visible from the ground, and walking on a damaged roof can make things worse (and is dangerous without proper equipment).
At Peak Exteriors, we offer free spring roof inspections with a detailed written report. We'll document everything with photos and give you an honest assessment — no sales pressure, just facts.
Schedule your free spring inspection today. Contact us or call (401) 300-0323.