After a big snowfall, you may be more concerned with all the snow you have to remove from your driveway so you can get in and out of your home. But don’t forget about all that snow accumulating on your roof. Too much snow can lead to roof issues such as leaks, damage, holes, and even cave-ins in extreme circumstances. It helps to rely on a professional contractor for snow removal services.
Here’s how to protect your roof from heavy snow loads.
Look For Red Flags
Here are some signs that your roof has been compromised by too much snow:
- Sagging ceiling tiles or boards
- Interior doors that you can no longer open or close
- Popping, cracking, or creaking noises
- Severe roof leaks
- Cracks in walls or masonry
Excessive snow accumulation results from the presence of ice dams, unbalanced snow loads, heavy snowfall or rain, or just simple roof geometry that works against you. You may want to increase the pitch of your roof before next winter if that’s the case. Consult with a trusted roofer first.
Check Your Roof
Of course, it’s best not to let your roof get to that point in the first place. Before the winter, and after each snowfall, inspect your roof for loose, cracked, and missing shingles. If you have gaps in the roof, this won’t just result in leaks, they could also compromise your home’s structural integrity and lead to a collapse.
During your inspection, check the roofing, decking and sheathing if you can. If not, hire a roofer to do this for you. Your roofer can also check the rafters and roof timbers if you have experienced damage in previous winters.
Check the Roofline
During your inspection, don’t neglect the roofline, including the gutters, soffits, and fascias. Look for signs of leaks or any other kind of damage. This area of the roof, while often overlooked, is particularly vulnerable to the formation of ice dams. You can add heating cables to avoid those ice dams and keep snow accumulation to a minimum.
Buy a Roof Rake
This is your best defense against sudden large snowfalls. Use these handy extendable tools to pull loose snow off the roof before it can settle and form heavier packed snow, which can then overload your roof. You can also use them to break off icicles and ice dams, but you will need a lot of upper body strength to do this. It’s not the safest thing for the average homeowner to do, so again, consult with a roofer if you need help. Just keep in mind that the snow and ice you are raking off the roof is heavier than it looks, so take proper precautions.
Keep the Attic Cool
When you have an attic that’s too warm, ice dams can form along the roofline. Add more ventilation or insulation between the living area and attic to make sure heat doesn’t escape into your attic.
Check the Drainage System and Foundation
To minimize potential damage from melting ice and snow, clean out your gutters regularly so there are no obstructions. Check your downspouts while you’re at it to ensure they are angled away from your property. Check for cracks in your foundation and seal any that you find.
Contact Allstar Construction for Snow Removal
One big way you can protect your roof from heavy snow loads is to make sure the snow doesn’t build up in the first place. With our snow removal services, you can ensure your roof remains snow-free throughout winter! Get your free online quote today!
