Snow On Your Roof: The Good, The Bad, And The Dangerous
It’s a magical moment when the first snowfall of the season falls. The world outside softens and whitens, and the sun gleams off the fresh snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. For many people in the country’s colder regions, the magic fades quickly as snow accumulates and harsh weather makes day-to-day life more difficult. The truth is that having too much snow on your roof can be a serious safety hazard. Fortunately, you can take precautions like using ice melter for roof beforehand to keep your home safe during and after a severe snowstorm.
Ice Melt For Roof
Remarkable Benefits Of A Good Snowy Roof
It’s not always a bad thing to have snow on your roof. Having a light layer of snow on top of your house has some advantages. When snowflakes pile up on top of each other, air pockets form, muffling sound. As a result, when it snows, you might notice that your house is a little quieter.
A layer of snow can act as insulation, keeping your home warm and preventing heat loss through the attic. Melting snow may indicate that heat is escaping through your roof. Warm air will rise and escape through gaps and cracks in your roof, melting the snow.
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Removal Is Necessary For Bad Snow
Heavy snowfall can have some strange effects on your roof. If there’s a lot of it, you might have to devise a strategy for getting rid of it, though you’ll have to be cautious. Melting snow that condenses into ice and then refreezes can cause ice dams, which can be problematic.
Winter roof maintenance is essential for keeping your roof in good shape all year. It’s also the most important factor in avoiding roof damage and collapse caused by snow and ice accumulation.
How Snow Affects On Roofs?
Snow can affect roofs in several ways:
- Weight Load: Excessive snow accumulation can add significant weight to your roof, potentially causing structural damage or even collapse. The question is how much snow can a roof hold.
- Ice Dams: Snow can melt and refreeze at the roof’s edge, forming ice dams. These dams can lead to water infiltration, damaging your roof and interior.
- Leaks: As snow melts, it can find its way into roof cracks and gaps, causing leaks when it refreezes.
- Gutter Damage: Snow and ice can damage gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts when it accumulates and freezes.
- Safety Hazard: Falling snow and ice from the roof can pose a safety hazard to people and pets below.
Prepare For The Impending Snow And Ice Storms.
It’s important to keep ice off sloped roofs and reduce the rate at which ice accumulates on the roof by making sure attics are well ventilated, so snow doesn’t melt and refreeze as ice. When the attic isn’t properly ventilated, the home’s hot air builds up, causing melting and freezing, which leads to dangerous ice dams. Melted snow and ice can enter a roof through the eaves, causing water damage to flat roofs if ice dams form and prevent water from flowing into the roof drains. During the winter, preventative maintenance and homemade snow melt are essential to avoid costly repairs.
A roof collapse is a serious occurrence that can result in the loss of property and possessions and the loss of life. Snow and ice accumulation, as well as the danger it poses to your roofing system, are not to be taken lightly.
Prevent Buildup of the Snow on a Flat Roof
Preventing the building up of the snow on the roof of the house involves proper design, insulation, and maintenance. Adequate roof slope, insulation, and ensuring good drainage are key. Consulting with a roofing professional can provide specific guidance based on your roof’s design.
Tips to Safely Remove Snow From Your Roof
When removing snow from your roof, follow these safety guidelines:
- Use Proper Tools: Invest in roof rakes for snow removal tools designed for the task.
- Work from the Ground: Whenever possible, remove snow from the ground using extended tools to avoid climbing on the roof.
- Avoid Salts: Avoid using traditional ice melt products on your roof, as they can damage roofing materials. If necessary, consider non-corrosive alternatives like Safe Paw.
- Clear Gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent ice dams.
Right Time To Remove Snow From Your Roof
You should consider removing snow from your roof if:
- There is more than 6 inches of heavy, wet snow.
- There is more than 12 inches of light, fluffy snow.
- Ice dams have formed.
- Your roof is prone to leaks or has a history of structural issues.
Investing A Little In Snow, Goes A Long Way
With a snow shovel or homemade snowmelt, you can’t exactly get on top of your roof. If you have an asphalt roof, you run the risk of causing serious damage to your shingles, which can lead to your roof leaking and causing all sorts of problems. Instead, you can use a safe paw, non toxic pet-safe ice melter for the roof. This winter, get the best roofing care to reduce the risk of snow and ice accumulation.
Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.
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