Is your roof ready for winter?

At Everywhen, we’re here to help you protect the everyday – no matter the weather.

Winter can be a magical time. A season filled with cups of hot chocolate by a roaring fire and snowy walks bundled up in the biggest scarves you can find. But alongside the beauty of this season comes some challenges.

Snow, ice and high winds can put serious pressure on your home’s roof and if it isn’t in good shape, it could be vulnerable to leaks and structural damage.

Here at Everywhen, we understand your world, which is why we’ve pulled together this article so you can feel confident your roof is ready to face the season.

We’ll explore what to watch out for, how home insurance can help, and what you can do to protect your home before the cold sets in.

While roofs are designed to withstand the elements, extreme weather can push them to their limits. Your roof is your home’s first line of defence, but it’s also one of the most exposed parts of the building, and snow, ice and high winds can all take a toll.

Here’s what to watch out for:                                                               

• Leaks are one of the most common issues.  When snow builds up, the extra weight puts pressure on your roof. As it melts, the water can pool and seep through weak spots and cracks, creating leaks which can damage ceilings, walls, insulation, floorboards, furniture and more.

• Ice dams are another common issue. They form when snow melts on warmer parts of the roof and refreezes at the edges where it’s colder, creating a barrier that traps water. As water builds up in the ice dam, it can seep into your home, often without you noticing until the damage is done.

• High winds also pose a threat. Strong gusts can lift or tear off slates, tiles and shingles, exposing the layers underneath.

Most home insurance policies cover roof damage caused by extreme weather, but if the damage is linked to poor maintenance or neglect, in any way, then it will not be covered.

In the run-up to the colder months, it’s important to take some time to re-familiarise yourself with the specifics of your particular policy. The last thing you want is to be left in the lurch by a forgotten exclusion at crunch time.

If you’re unsure, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through your options and help you make sure your cover matches your needs.

Before winter hits, inspect your roof for any issues that could create bigger problems once the cold weather arrives.

Keep an eye out for:

• Missing, loose or damaged shingles

• Cracks around the chimney

• Damp patches or signs of moisture in the attic

• Any clogged gutters

If you spot any issues, get them fixed as quickly as possible. A professional roofer can assess the damage and make your roof winter ready.

If snow starts to build up on your roof, it’s important to remove it carefully. Never attempt to climb onto your roof in icy or snowy conditions, as this can be very dangerous. Instead use tools designed for ground-level clearing like a long-handled roof rake. It allows you to clear the snow while removing the danger of climbing on the roof.

If ice has already formed, resist the urge to chip away at it. It may seem like a quick fix, but it can damage your roof tiles and shingles. Call in a professional to address the situation instead.

With the right maintenance and insurance cover, you can protect your home from winter damage. Like many things in life, prevention is better than cure. By checking your roof and addressing the issues now, you can save yourself time, money and stress in the long run.

We know how important your home is. That’s why we’re here – to offer our expert advice and tailored insurance that protects what matters most.

If you’d like help reviewing your cover, speak to a member of our Everywhen team on 0345 266 8563.



Please note that your insurance policy will include specific terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in your policy being invalidated. We strongly recommend that you carefully review all aspects of your policy documentation, which will be provided to you upon quotation.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.