After Nor'easters, thick ridges of ice at the roof edge (ice dams) block melting snow from draining. Water backs up under shingles and stains ceilings — especially on older Victorians and triple-deckers with uneven attic insulation in Jamaica Plain and Quincy.
Prevention: improve attic insulation and sealing before winter, clean gutters in late fall, and use a roof rake from the ground to reduce snow load after big storms — never climb icy ladders yourself. Heated cables help only when installed correctly; they are not a substitute for insulation.
Spring matters too: clogged downspouts dump water against foundations, worsening basement seepage common in March thaw. Extensions should carry water 6+ feet from the house. Separately, algae-stained siding often needs pressure washing in May — not the same trade as roofing, but part of the same seasonal checklist.
See stains or icicles after a storm? Snap photos of the ceiling stain and exterior eave on Opa Pro for guidance and vetted local roofing or gutter pros.