What to Do If Your Roof Leaks in the Middle of Winter

A roof leak is never convenient, but discovering one in the middle of a Wisconsin winter brings extra challenges. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and limited daylight make both emergency response and long-term repair more difficult. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately, what roofing professionals can and can’t do in winter, and how to prevent leaks in the first place.

First Steps to Limit Damage From Winter Roof Leaks

If you discover water entering your home, time is critical. Here’s what to do immediately:

• Use buckets, towels, or plastic sheeting to contain water and prevent it from damaging floors, walls, or property.

• Move valuables, electronics, rugs, and furniture away from the leak.

• Take photos and video of all visible damage for your insurance records.

• Watch for signs of serious hazards, including sagging ceilings, water near electrical outlets or light fixtures, or insulation pulling away from the attic.

• DO NOT climb on a snowy or icy roof. If water is still entering, call a roofer that offers emergency services.

  
  

If safety becomes a concern, such as ceiling collapse or exposed wires, evacuate the area and contact emergency services.

Why Roof Leaks in Winter Happen More Often

Even roofs in good shape can struggle in extreme winter weather. Common causes include:

• Ice dams that trap melting snow and force water under shingles. Ice dams can also form around solar panel mounts, but solar shingles like Solstice Shingles avoid this risk.

• Heavy snow loads stressing aging shingles, flashing, or other vulnerable roof components

• Freeze-thaw cycles expanding existing cracks or loosening sealant around penetrations

• Existing wear and tear worsened by extreme temperature swings

  
  

Many of these issues are preventable with good roof maintenance and attic insulation. Learn more in our blog on winter roof inspections.

What Wisconsin Roofing Pros Can (and Can’t) Do in Winter

Roofing contractors in Wisconsin are equipped to handle emergencies during the colder months. However, there are limitations to what can safely be done in sub-freezing conditions. Winter roofing services are often about stabilizing the situation, not completing every repair immediately.

What is possible:

• Clearing snow and ice from problem areas with roof rakes, ice melt, or other safe methods

• Installing temporary barriers like exterior tarps or shrink wrap over the leak

• Patching, or performing minor repairs when weather permits

• Professional ice-dam steaming, where specialized crews use low-pressure steam to safely remove thick ice buildup without damaging shingles or gutters

  
  

What’s limited or delayed:

• Full roof replacements or major repairs are typically postponed until spring, unless damage is critical

• Shingles generally require a minimum of 40°F to seal properly

• Roof de-icing systems (heat cables) require temps above 40°F to install due to shingle brittleness

• Winter storms, steep pitches, and icy surfaces can make work dangerous for crews

  
  

Read more about the limitations and workarounds in our blog: Can You Replace a Roof in Winter?

Once you understand what’s possible during winter, the bigger takeaway becomes clear: avoiding winter leaks starts long before the first snowfall.

If Temporary Repairs Aren’t Safe Immediately

If weather conditions make the roof unsafe to access, your best course of action is interior protection and water management.

• Use plastic sheeting, buckets, or towels to catch and redirect leaks

• In attics, create controlled drainage paths or use flexible tubing to direct water into collection containers

• In some cases, small pumps can be used to move water outdoors. They must be monitored constantly to prevent overflow, clogs, or electrical hazards

  
  

These measures are only temporary. Roofers will return once the weather clears to make permanent repairs.

Exterior Tarping: What It Can and Can’t Do

Exterior tarping is a temporary, water-shedding layer installed over the leak area to push snowmelt and rain past the eaves instead of into your home. Crews clear a safe work lane, place the tarp from near the ridge to beyond the eave line, then secure the perimeter so water drains into gutters.

When it helps

• Buys time during roof leaks in winter until temperatures allow proper repairs.

• Redirects meltwater around damaged shingles, flashing, or penetrations.

• Can be paired with safe ice relief methods to open a drainage path

  
  

What to expect

• Duration is short. Think days to a few weeks depending on wind, sun, and snow load.

• Fastening methods vary. Pros try to avoid new holes in healthy shingles and may anchor at the fascia, ridge, or with perimeter boards or sandbags. Any penetrations will be sealed later.

• Shrink-wrap or “roof wrap” options also exist for longer holds but require calmer weather and more labor.

  
  

Bottom line: Tarping is a short-term shield that redirects water and buys a weather window. It won’t cure an active ice dam or replace a proper repair, so schedule permanent fixes as soon as temps allow and keep photos/invoices for insurance.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks Next Winter

Stopping roof leaks in winter starts well before snow falls. Here’s what you can do to protect your home:

• Proper attic insulation and ventilation: Reduces ice dams and maintains roof temperature balance

• Ice and water shield underlayment: Acts as a backup barrier beneath shingles during re-roofing

• Schedule pre-winter roof inspections to catch issues early

• Use high-quality materials, like Class 3 or Class 4 impact-rated shingles, that can stand up to Midwest winters

  
  

Need a full roof assessment? Schedule a free inspection with Sun Vault Roofing.

Wisconsin Winters Require Local Expertise

Madison and the surrounding areas face unique challenges in winter: wide temperature swings, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy snowpack make roof leaks more common.

That’s why it’s important to work with a local roofer who understands:

• How to work safely in winter conditions

• What materials work best in our climate (and what to avoid)

• What temporary and permanent solutions are best suited to the Midwest

  
  

Learn more in our post: Why You Should Go With a Local Roofing Company in Wisconsin

Don’t Wait - Protect Your Home Now

If your roof is leaking this winter, you need fast answers, safe solutions, and trustworthy help. Sun Vault Roofing offers:

• Free roof inspections

• Emergency winter response services

• Guidance on repair vs. replacement options

  
  

📞 Call 608-608-1082 or book your free inspection online to get expert help before the next storm hits.