Protecting Your Home from Ice Winter Damage
Removing snow and ice from your rooftop is a critical, yet potentially dangerous, home maintenance task in winter climates. The process is essential for preventing structural damage from excessive weight and avoiding the formation of destructive ice dams. The general consensus among experts is to prioritize safety, often by relying on specialized tools used from the ground or by hiring fully insured professionals to manage the risks.
Ice Dam Formation
The primary reason for regular removal is to prevent ice dams. These occur when heat from your attic melts snow in the middle of the roof, which then refreezes at the colder eaves and gutters. This ice barrier causes water to back up under your shingles, leading to leaks and interior damage. Clearing the snow from the lower portion of the roof first is key to preventing this issue.
Overload Warning Signs
Please be alert for the warning signs that your roof is under critical stress. These may include unusual cracking or popping sounds, visible ceiling or wall cracks, new water spots, or doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or shut (indicating building frame bowing). If you notice any of these signs, you need to evacuate the home immediately and then contact a roofing professional for urgent help.
Accumulation Depth
Although most residential roofs are built to safely handle a significant weight load, a prudent general rule of thumb is to consider clearing off the snow once it exceeds depths of six to twelve inches. This is especially true if that accumulation is wet, heavy, or compacted into ice layers. Generally, light and fluffy snow poses much less of a structural concern than dense, wet snow or solid ice.
Protecting Your Home from Winter Damage!
You don’t necessarily need to clear every light dusting of snow, but certain warning signs indicate that action is required. The critical factors are the weight and type of snow, not just its depth.
Snow and Ice Removal