Local Weather Impacts on Kentucky Roofs: What You Need to Know in Winter 2026
Winter in Kentucky can be unpredictable; warm one day, ice storm the next. As you can imagine, this weather can be particularly harsh on roofing. With a unique climate, not northern extremes nor the deep south, comes unique challenges. Our rapid freeze-thaw cycles, weather patterns that typically include a mix of freezing rain, snow, and sleet, and the coldest, windiest month of the year, present challenges that can become expensive problems rather quickly.
As the peak of winter hits Kentucky, daily temperatures can fluctuate from 7 to 43 degrees. This temperature fluctuation is what creates the rapid freeze-thaw cycles. January is also a relatively wet month with precipitation being mostly rain however, chances of wintry precipitation do increase. Most days are overcast during the month of January. It is also important to consider wind chills as this can affect material integrity. Wind chill and high winds in Kentucky severely impact roofing materials by combining, accelerating, and intensifying structural degradation.
Ice dams are one of the main problems reported in Kentucky during January.
What are ice dams?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of a roof, blocking melting snow from draining, causing water to back up, seep under shingles, and damage ceilings, walls, insulation, and more. Kentucky’s rapid freeze-thaw cycle can cause ice dams to form quickly. There are warning signs to watch for such as icicles forming on your gutters, water or ice inside or around window frames, water visible on the siding, and water stains on ceilings or walls. The most effective tactic against ice dams is of course, prevention. Preventative measures include insulating and ventilating your attic properly, sealing any cracks, and keeping your gutters clear of debris. However, if you find yourself with an ice dam there are some ways you can prevent further damage. First, safely remove snow from the roof to reduce the amount of melting and pooling. Second, you can use calcium chloride. Fill socks with calcium chloride and place them on the ice dams to create channels for the water to escape as it melts. Third, call a professional. If you don’t feel comfortable or are unable to remedy these situations safely on your own, call in the professionals.
Kentucky’s freeze-thaw cycles can also cause expansion and contraction of asphalt shingles which can lead to cracks, curling, and granule loss.
Metal roofing, while a little less vulnerable, can be affected if fasteners are loose or become damaged. Furthermore, if your roof has any prior damage or weak spots, winter weather has the potential to become an expensive repair very quickly. Enduring many freeze-thaw cycles, along with damage and wear from other seasons, can shorten the life of your roof and create weak spots that don’t always become apparent immediately. Once the problem is apparent, it is important to fix the damage quickly to avoid more damage.
January is typically the windiest month of the year in Kentucky as well.
While average daily wind speeds are between 6-10 mph, this month is characterized by consistent, moderate winds. Cold winds can cause asphalt shingles to become brittle which can lead to cracking, lifting, and blow-offs. Metal roofing can also buckle under these conditions if not properly installed or having prior damage. High winds can also cause trees or branches to fall which has the potential to cause damage to structures as well.
When you add ice and/or snow into all these challenges, the risks are exacerbated and can create the perfect conditions for roof and/or structural damage. Snow creates extra weight however, ice is the main concern as it weighs 5 to 10 times more than the same volume of snow. As little as 1 inch of ice adds up to 5.2 pounds of extra weight per square foot to your roof. This extra weight can also cause structural damage if not taken care of quickly and properly. It is important to watch for any sagging along your roofline and gutters because it indicates structural stress. Clogged gutters also present an issue as they can become frozen which creates ice dams causing water to back up into your home.
What can you do to avoid these issues?
Visually inspecting your roof, gutters, and downspouts will help you identify any concerning areas.
Keeping your gutters clean and free from debris will help avoid ice dams and sagging from ice accumulation.
Inspect any flashings especially around vents and chimneys as those are common areas for leaks.
Ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
Prevention is key to avoid expensive problems. If you notice an issue now, call a professional as they have the skills and the knowledge to handle the job even in the middle of winter.
January in Kentucky brings with it its own set of unique challenges, especially for your roof. It takes proper preparation, maintenance, and care year-round to extend the life of your roof and gutters. It is also important to repair any problems promptly once you notice them so they don’t lead to larger, more complex problems.
If you find yourself needing the help of professionals this month or in the future, Bourbon Country Exteriors is here to help!
📲270-304-2449