Winter roofing concerns involve more than the covering. Understand the questions to ask about heat loss, drainage, snow loading and safe assessment.
Ice dams involve the roof and the building below it
Warmth reaching a roof can melt snow that refreezes near colder edges. Air leakage, insulation and assembly ventilation may all matter. Adding a new covering alone does not resolve every cause.
DOE and ENERGY STAR guidance can help you understand the relationship. The appropriate response still depends on the particular assembly and should be evaluated by qualified professionals.
Snow depth is not a structural assessment
Roof geometry, snow density, drifting and the building’s design affect loads. Do not use a photograph, a town average or a single depth measurement to decide that a roof is safe. Consult the appropriate building official or design professional.
Do not climb onto a snowy or icy roof, chip ice from the covering or place yourself beneath potential falling snow. Visible distress or immediate danger requires an appropriate emergency response.
Downloads and links
Use these resources.
Download the guide
Original Certified Roof Systems planning resource. Reviewed October 24, 2026.
↗DOE: Roof and attic ice-dam guidance
Building-science guidance on roof assemblies and ice dams.
↗ENERGY STAR attic ventilation guidance
Understand the relationship between insulation and ventilation.
↗Montana snow-load information
Confirm the authority and design criteria for the actual property.
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