Does Insurance Cover Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow?

by McShea Insurance | Does Insurance Cover Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow?

When Roof Collapse from Snow Is Typically Covered

In general, if the roof collapse is sudden and accidental, and directly caused by the weight of snow or ice, there is a good chance the property policy will respond—subject to the policy terms and any exclusions.

Here are two common examples:

1. Heavy Wet Snow After a Nor’easter

First, imagine a classic Cape Cod scenario:
A powerful nor’easter hits in January and dumps a large amount of heavy, wet snow on your home or commercial building. Overnight, the snow on your roof builds up quickly. Then, you hear a loud crack and part of the roof structure in your living room or storefront gives way.

• The building is otherwise in good condition.
  
  
• There were no prior known structural issues.
  
  
• The collapse clearly follows a severe weather event and the weight of the snow.
  
  

In this scenario, many homeowners and commercial property policies would respond to repair the roof and covered interior damage, subject to the policy deductible and limits

2. Sudden Collapse of a Flat Roof Over a Commercial Space

Next, consider a small retail or restaurant space in a strip plaza on the Cape with a flat or low-slope roof. After several days of snowfall, then rain, the roof is suddenly overloaded.

• The roof caves in over the dining area or sales floor.
  
  
• Inventory, fixtures, and equipment are damaged.
  
  
• The business must temporarily close for repairs.
  
  

In this case, the policy may not only help pay for building and contents damage, but also business interruption coverage (if purchased), which can help with lost income and continuing expenses during the period of restoration.

Again, this is typically covered when the primary cause is the weight of snow/ice and not a long-term maintenance issue.

When Roof Collapse from Snow May Not Be Covered

Though many snow-related collapses are covered, there are important situations where insurance may limit or deny coverage. The most common themes are neglect, pre-existing damage, and wear and tear.

Here are two examples:

1. Long-Term Neglect or Known Roof Problems

Although snow may be the final straw, insurers may deny or limit coverage if the roof was already in poor condition due to neglect.

For example:

• The roof is decades past its useful life.
  
  
• Shingles or membranes were visibly curling, rotting, or failing.
  
  
• You received recommendations from a contractor to repair or replace the roof, but no action was taken.
  
  

Then a moderate snow event causes a collapse. In this situation, the insurance company may argue that lack of maintenance and pre-existing deterioration—not just the weight of snow—are the real cause of the loss. As a result, they may reduce or deny payment under policy exclusions for wear and tear, rot, or neglect.

2. Design or Construction Defects

Now consider a newer structure on the Islands, but one that wasn’t properly designed or constructed to handle regional snow loads:

• The roof framing was undersized.
  
  
• The pitch is too low, and drainage is poor.
  
  
• A contractor used improper materials or installation methods.
  
  

If a collapse occurs because the roof simply wasn’t built to code or to withstand normal conditions, the insurer may point to exclusions for design defects, faulty workmanship, or construction errors. Although the snow is involved, the root cause is the defective design or construction, which is commonly excluded.

In both of these examples, the snow is a trigger, but the underlying issue is something the policy often won’t cover.

Tips to Help Prevent Roof Collapse from Heavy Snow

Though we can’t control the weather on Cape Cod, Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard, we can reduce risk with proactive maintenance and planning. Here are five best practices:

1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

First, have a qualified roofing professional inspect your roof at least once a year—and after major storms. They can:

• Check for structural issues, sagging, or damage.
  
  
• Identify weak spots, leaks, or areas with poor drainage.
  
  
• Recommend repairs or upgrades before winter weather arrives.
  
  

A small repair in October is always cheaper than a collapse in January.

2. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Next, keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves, twigs, and debris, especially in the fall. Clogged gutters can lead to:

• Ice dams along the roof edge.
  
  
• Water backup and intrusion under shingles.
  
  
• Added weight and stress on roof structures.
  
  

Good drainage helps snow and meltwater move off the roof instead of sitting there.

3. Manage Snow Build-Up Safely

Then, when heavy snow starts to accumulate, consider safe snow removal methods:

• Use a roof rake from the ground where possible.
  
  
• Avoid walking on the roof yourself, if you can.
  
  
• Hire a professional for larger or more complicated roofs—especially commercial buildings.
  
  

Removing excess snow in a controlled way can significantly reduce the load on the roof and prevent collapses.

4. Address Insulation and Ventilation

Although it’s easy to overlook, attic insulation and ventilation play a big role in winter roof performance:

• Good insulation helps prevent heat loss, which can reduce ice dam formation.
  
  
• Proper ventilation allows moisture and heat to escape, protecting roof materials and structural components.
  
  

Talk with a contractor about whether your attic and roof assembly are appropriate for New England winters.

5. Keep Documentation and Maintenance Records

Finally, keep photos, receipts, and notes from roof inspections, repairs, and contractor visits. If a claim arises:

• Documentation can help demonstrate that you have maintained the property.
  
  
• Good records may support your position that the loss was sudden and accidental—not the result of neglect.
  
  

Strong maintenance history can strengthen your claim and help the process go more smoothly.