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Winter damage often starts small — a tiny leak, a bit of ice, a frozen pipe — but it can quickly become a major problem. Winter weather may look beautiful from the outside, but snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause serious and costly damage to a home or building. Much of the destruction happens quietly — behind walls, under roofs, and inside pipes — until it becomes a major repair issue.
Many people don’t realize that winter weather causes not just visible roof damage, but also hidden issues like leaks, collapsed gutters, and ice buildup that can affect your entire home.
Packed, wet snow can weigh thousands of pounds. If too much accumulates, it can crack rafters, warp the roof structure, or even cause partial roof collapse — especially in older or poorly ventilated homes.
Snow and ice accumulate on the roof and melt unevenly. When ice forms along the edges, it traps melting water behind it, forcing water under shingles and into ceilings and walls. This leads to leaks, stains, and long-term structural deterioration.
Extreme cold can freeze water inside plumbing lines, causing pipes to expand and rupture. When they burst, they can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, leading to flooding, mold, and interior destruction.
Ice buildup adds weight to gutters, pulling them away from the house or causing cracks. Damaged gutters no longer direct water properly, leading to foundation erosion and siding damage in warmer months.
High winds, ice impact, and frozen moisture can crack siding, break window seals, and loosen exterior components — creating draft issues, leaks, and energy loss throughout the winter.
Warm indoor air meeting cold exterior surfaces can create condensation inside walls and attics. Over time, this trapped moisture encourages mold growth, wood rot, and insulation damage.
Ice dams, melting snow, and freezing rain can force water under shingles and behind siding. This moisture seeps into insulation, ceilings, and walls, causing rot, stains, mold, and structural weakening that may not show up for weeks or months.
Heavy, wet snow creates tremendous weight and pressure. When too much accumulates, it can crack roof rafters, warp structural supports, or even cause part of the roof to collapse — especially in older or poorly insulated homes.
Cold temperatures can freeze water inside plumbing lines, causing pipes to expand and burst. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water, flooding floors, walls, and basements — creating major structural, mold, and electrical hazards.
Winter brings constant freeze-thaw cycles. When materials expand and contract quickly, it causes: Cracked foundations Damaged siding Broken window seals Weak roofing materials These small issues become big ones if not caught early.
Moisture trapped behind walls or in attics during winter creates perfect conditions for mold growth, which can spread before it's even visible — leading to health issues and expensive remediation.
Strong winter winds can strip shingles, loosen gutters, and crack siding. Ice accumulation weighs down gutters and roof edges, causing them to detach or break apart, leading to more water damage later.
Insurance carriers often argue that ice dams, leaks, or frozen pipes happened because the: Roof wasn’t maintained Gutters were clogged Home wasn’t insulated properly Pipes were not protected from freezing These arguments are used to avoid paying for winter-related losses — even when the real cause is severe weather.
If winter damage causes hidden moisture behind walls or ceilings, insurers may claim: “The problem happened over time” “The leak is old” “The damage wasn’t sudden” This is a common tactic to deny coverage or minimize payouts.
Most winter damage is hidden under shingles, insulation, or attic spaces. Insurance adjusters often: Look only at surface-level issues Ignore structural weakening Overlook hidden mold or moisture Approve only partial repairs Their estimates usually fall far below the true cost of restoring a winter-damaged home.
Frozen or burst pipes often lead to major flooding. Insurers sometimes argue that the homeowner: “Didn’t heat the home properly” “Didn’t take steps to prevent freezing” This shifts blame away from weather events and onto the homeowner.
Winter damage claims often require multiple inspections, engineering reports, or moisture tests. Insurers may: Request repeated documentation Send multiple adjusters “Re-evaluate” the claim Extend deadlines These delays can leave homeowners dealing with leaks, mold, or ongoing deterioration.
He looks at every area storms can affect, not just what’s obvious.
He prepares photos, reports, and cost estimates that prove the true extent of damage.
He handles the back-and-forth and push back when they undervalue your claim.
He fights to secure enough funds so your property is properly repaired and protected against future storms.
“Snow and storm damage can turn into long-term headaches if not handled correctly. Jerry Kotler’s job is to stand on your side, not the insurance company’s, and make sure you get the settlement you need to truly recover. When the next storm comes, you’ll know your home is safe.”
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