Make Sure Your Roof Can Withstand the Extra Weight from Snow

Have you lived in your house for years? Have you recently moved into a new one? Either way, you might be concerned about how your roof will hold the weight of large amounts of snow. Snow days can be fun, but excess snow can also lead to many complications. Here’s how you can identify and prevent problems with your roof this winter:

Things to keep in mind

The weight of the snow — Wet snow can be almost three times heavier than fluffy snow, which means it could be adding dozens of pounds to your roof.

The roofing material — Asphalt and slate shingles can both support the weight of snow well, however asphalt shingles are the more affordable option and easier to replace.

The structural design — It’s no question that a steep and smooth roof will generally shed snow much easier than a flat or slightly pitched roof.

Signs of a weak roof

Don’t neglect to check the attic for bends and cracks in the roof as well as seeing how your roof looks from the street. If you notice any roof damage, it might not even be from the weight of snow. Roof damage could come from a variety of sources like insects, age, or rodents. It’s always good to check with roofing professionals before coming to any conclusions.

Periodic snow removal

While your home is built to specific codes and should be able to withstand almost any snow load, some homeowners choose to remove some snow before it piles up. Before you do this, be aware of these important points.

Don’t try to remove all the snow — You might damage the roofing material underneath, which would leave the roof vulnerable to leaks.

Pay attention — As you’re pulling snow off the roof, you’ll want to make sure you don’t unintentionally block a path or hit a bystander.

The experienced team at Roof Wizards is here to help come to the right decision about your roof! If you have more questions about roofing materials, or you’re ready to get a new roof installed, contact us today and get your free estimate.