Cold weather can damage a Texas roof just as much as heat—sometimes more. Winter Storm Uri in 2021 proved that with over 500,000 insurance claims, 85% for property damage including roofs. At Falcon Roofing & Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how freezing temperatures and rapid weather changes stress roofing systems across Austin, Temple, and San Antonio.
How Cold Weather Affects Roofing Materials
When temperatures drop, flexible roofing materials become brittle and weak. This affects asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and flat roof membranes alike.
Asphalt shingles: Cold air makes shingles brittle and easy to crack. Older or sun-damaged shingles are at the greatest risk.
Metal roofing: Expansion and contraction from freeze-thaw cycles can loosen fasteners or seams if not properly installed.
Flat roofs (TPO, EPDM): Trapped water can freeze, expand, and damage seams—making roof coatings or restoration systems a smart winter upgrade. Learn more on our Commercial Roof Coatings page.
Common Cold-Weather Roof Problems in Texas
Ice Dams
When melting snow refreezes along roof edges, it forms ice dams that trap water. This water seeps under shingles, leading to roof leaks and water damage.
Tip: Keep attic insulation balanced and gutters clean before winter.
Snow and Ice Weight
Though rare in Texas, when heavy snow does hit, it puts pressure on older roofs. Metal roofing systems, installed by Falcon Roofing, resist this stress far better than traditional asphalt.
Cold Winds
Texas winter storms often bring gusts over 40 mph. Loose flashing or older shingles are torn away, leaving your roof exposed. Check out our Roof Repair Services if you suspect wind damage.
Freeze–Thaw Cycles
When trapped moisture freezes, it expands and deepens cracks. Repeated cycles weaken shingles, flashing, and sealants.
Which Texas Regions Are Most at Risk?
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Panhandle (Amarillo, Lubbock): Frequent freezing temps and snow buildup.
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North Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth): Ice storms are common.
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Central Texas (Austin, Waco, Temple): Sudden temperature drops damage unprepared roofs.
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Hill Country: Repeated freeze–thaw patterns create stress on older roofing.
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Gulf Coast (Houston, Galveston): Rare freezes made worse by humidity.
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San Antonio & South Texas: Fewer freezes, but storms like Uri can still cause major roof damage.
If you’re unsure whether your roof can handle winter, request a Free Roof Inspection before the next cold front hits.
Gutters: The Overlooked Culprit
Clogged or undersized gutters are one of the most common causes of cold-weather roof damage in Texas. When water can’t drain, it backs up, freezes, and expands—bending gutters, pulling fasteners, damaging fascia boards, and forcing water under your shingles.
Keeping gutters clear before winter is one of the simplest ways to protect your roof and prevent freeze-thaw leaks.
How to Spot Cold-Weather Roof Damage
Inside your home:
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Brown ceiling stains or peeling paint mean leaks are forming.
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Musty odors or mold can point to attic moisture problems.
Outside your home:
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Missing shingles or warped flashing.
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Bent gutters or ice buildup along the eaves.
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Uneven snow melt spots, indicating heat loss and leaks.
Check your attic for damp insulation or wood rot after major storms.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Cold Weather in Texas
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Inspect your shingles: Replace missing or cracked ones immediately.
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Clean gutters: Prevent ice dams and improve drainage.
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Check flashing: Around chimneys, skylights, and walls.
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Ventilate properly: Balance attic heat and cold air to prevent moisture.
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Schedule maintenance: Professional inspections twice a year catch issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cold weather really damage a Texas roof?
Yes. Freezing temps cause materials to contract, making them brittle and prone to cracking or leaks. The 2021 winter storm caused over half a million roof damage claims.
What are ice dams, and why are they bad?
They block water runoff and force moisture under shingles, leading to leaks and mold inside the home.
Should I remove ice from my roof?
No. Walking on frozen shingles causes more damage. Call professional roof repair experts in Austin for safe removal and assessment.
Do metal roofs handle cold better?
Yes. Metal roofs expand and contract evenly, resisting ice buildup and offering superior wind resistance.
How can I prepare my roof for winter?
Clean gutters, seal flashing, replace damaged shingles, and schedule a roof inspection before temperatures drop.
Final Thoughts
Even in mild Texas winters, cold weather can wreak havoc on your roof.
Protect your investment this season—schedule a Free Winter Roof Inspection with Falcon Roofing & Restoration today.
📞 Call (800) 919-9451 or Contact Us Online
Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and surrounding Central Texas cities.
