Winter Storm Gianna Roof Damage: What Myrtle Beach Homeowners Should Check Now

Winter Storm Gianna was not a typical coastal storm. It was classified as a bomb cyclone — a rapidly intensifying low-pressure system that strengthened off the Southeast coast. According to the National Weather Service Wilmington office, the storm brought a combination of heavy snow, high winds, and extreme cold that our coastal roofs were never designed to handle.

Here is what the NWS recorded across the Grand Strand and surrounding areas:

After the snow, temperatures plummeted. Parts of the region dropped below zero — Lumberton, NC, recorded -1 degrees Fahrenheit on February 2, setting a record low. These extreme temperature swings after heavy snowfall are exactly what causes the most insidious type of roof damage: freeze-thaw cycling.

The problem with coastal South Carolina roofs is that they are engineered primarily for heat, humidity, wind, and rain — not for prolonged snow loads and subfreezing temperatures. Most Grand Strand homes use standard three-tab or architectural asphalt shingles with 15-pound underlayment. These materials handle hurricanes, but a bomb cyclone with 5 to 8 inches of snow and days of subfreezing temps creates stresses these roofs were not built to withstand.

Based on the inspections we have conducted across the Grand Strand since Storm Gianna, here are the five most common types of damage we are finding:

1. Ice Dam Formation and Water Intrusion

AAA issued a specific warning on February 2, 2026, urging Carolinas homeowners to watch for ice dams following Storm Gianna. Ice dams form when heat from inside your home melts snow on the roof. The meltwater flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes, creating a ridge of ice that blocks drainage. Additional meltwater backs up behind the dam and works under your shingles, leaking into your attic and living spaces.

AAA Director of Public Affairs Tiffany Wright stated in their February 2 advisory that ice dams can rot roof decking and pull gutters away from the structure. Once water seeps in, homeowners may face peeling paint, warped floors, and mold growth.

2. Freeze-Thaw Shingle Damage

The IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) in Richburg, SC, demonstrated to WSOC-TV on February 8, 2026, how freeze-thaw cycles cause shingle damage. IBHS research project scientist Jake Sorber explained that when water gets under shingles and repeatedly freezes and thaws, it breaks the adhesive seal that holds shingles together.

Sorber noted that their testing on aging roof farms shows that shingles at 10 years show significantly more unsealing than at five years. For homes across the Grand Strand that already have 10 to 20-year-old roofs weathered by salt air and UV exposure, the freeze-thaw cycles from Storm Gianna may have accelerated existing degradation.

Once shingles unseal, they become vulnerable to wind uplift. According to IBHS, if storm winds blow off unsealed shingles, the last line of defense is typically a 15-pound barrier held on by staples — which can easily come off in high winds, exposing your roof deck to water intrusion.

3. Snow Load Stress on Roof Structure

Snow can weigh anywhere from about 3 to 20 pounds per cubic foot depending on type — fresh, fluffy snow on the low end (3 to 5 lbs) and wet, packed snow on the high end. The NWS described the snow from Storm Gianna as dry and fluffy with snowfall ratios around 15:1, which puts it on the lighter end. However, even at lower density, 5 to 8 inches of snow across an entire roof adds hundreds of pounds of weight that Grand Strand roofs rarely experience.

Look for signs of structural stress: sagging ridgelines, cracked interior drywall (especially at ceiling-wall junctions), doors or windows that suddenly stick, and visible deflection in roof rafters when viewed from the attic.

4. Gutter and Downspout Damage

Gutters packed with ice and snow take on enormous weight. We are seeing gutters across the Grand Strand that have pulled away from fascia boards, cracked at seams, or developed reverse slopes that now direct water toward the foundation instead of away from it. Downspouts that froze and expanded may have cracked joints or disconnected sections.

5. Flashing and Vent Boot Failures

The metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, dormers, and wall-roof intersections expands and contracts at a different rate than the surrounding roofing material. The extreme temperature swings from Storm Gianna — from well below freezing to daytime thaw and back again — stress these transitions. The rubber boots around plumbing vents and exhaust pipes are particularly vulnerable, as the cold can crack aged rubber that was already degraded by Myrtle Beach UV and salt exposure.

You can safely perform the exterior ground-level and interior inspections yourself. Do not climb onto your roof — leave that to professionals with proper safety equipment. Here is what to check:

Exterior Ground-Level Inspection

Interior Inspection

Attic Inspection

If your inspection reveals damage, timing matters for your insurance claim. South Carolina homeowners insurance policies typically require prompt notice of damage. While there is no single statewide statute defining an exact deadline for reporting property damage, most SC insurers require notification within a reasonable time — generally interpreted as days to weeks, not months.

Here is what you should do if you find storm damage:

AAA noted in their February 2 advisory that many homeowners insurance policies cover ice-related damage, but exclusions vary by policy. Even if you do not have current damage, reviewing your policy now helps you understand where you stand before the next weather event.

For detailed guidance on the insurance claim process, see our complete roof insurance claim guide for Myrtle Beach and our guide on filing a roofing insurance claim step by step.

Storm Gianna caught the Grand Strand off guard because snow events of this magnitude are so rare here. But climate patterns are shifting, and the IBHS recommends proactive steps to protect your roof from future winter weather events.

Ice Dam Prevention (AAA Recommendations)

AAA published specific prevention recommendations for Carolinas homeowners after Storm Gianna. The most effective long-term prevention is keeping the roof temperature consistent with the eaves:

• Improve attic ventilation: Ensure you have adequate soffit, gable, or ridge vents. Proper ventilation keeps the roof deck cold, preventing uneven snowmelt that causes ice dams.
• Check insulation depth: Attic insulation should not block soffit vents. The insulation prevents heat from your living space from warming the roof deck unevenly.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps around attic hatches, recessed lights, plumbing penetrations, and ductwork allow warm air into the attic. Sealing these reduces the heat that causes ice dams.
• Ensure exhaust fans vent outside: Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans must vent to the exterior, not into the attic. Moisture-laden air dumped into the attic accelerates condensation and ice dam formation.

Upgrade to FORTIFIED Roof Standards

The IBHS recommends a FORTIFIED roof for homes in areas that experience severe weather. IBHS researcher Jake Sorber explained that standard roofs use 15-pound barriers held on by staples — which can fail when exposed to wind or water intrusion. FORTIFIED roofs use 30-pound barriers with stronger fasteners and extra sealing to keep water out even if shingles are compromised.

South Carolina homeowners may qualify for the SC Safe Home Grant, which provides funding for wind-mitigation upgrades that align with FORTIFIED standards. Some SC insurers also offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED-designated roofs.

For a complete guide to FORTIFIED roofing, see our FORTIFIED roof complete guide for Myrtle Beach.

Annual Maintenance Matters More Now

Storm Gianna proved that extreme weather can strike the Grand Strand in any season. Regular roof maintenance is your best defense:

• Schedule professional roof inspections at least once a year and after every major storm event
• Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage year-round
• Trim tree branches that overhang the roof to prevent impact damage and debris accumulation
• Address minor repairs immediately — a missing shingle or cracked flashing that seems harmless in fair weather becomes a significant vulnerability during storms

For a seasonal maintenance schedule tailored to coastal SC, see our roof maintenance checklist guide for Myrtle Beach.

Here is the reality that many Grand Strand homeowners are facing right now: Storm Gianna caused damage that is invisible from the ground. The freeze-thaw cycles broke shingle seals. Ice dams pushed water under roofing materials. And every rain event since the storm has been compounding that damage.

A small leak that starts as a damp spot in your attic insulation can become a mold problem within weeks. A cracked flashing that lets in a trickle of water can rot your roof deck over a season. And shingles with broken seals that survived Storm Gianna may blow off entirely during the first strong thunderstorm of spring.

WeatherShield Roofing has been inspecting roofs across the Grand Strand since Storm Gianna hit. We are seeing damage patterns consistent with everything described in this article. If your home is in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest, Socastee, Longs, Little River, or anywhere on the Grand Strand, call (843) 877-5539 for a free post-storm roof inspection.