Understanding the Impact of Snow On Your Roof

Whether you live in an area with very little snowfall or somewhere where the snowbanks pile up, and your world seems covered in a fairytale-like blanket of snow, it will undoubtedly impact your home’s exterior and roof. A good layer of snow on the roof can have a very curious effect on your roof. Thicker layers may need some work to remove, and you must be very careful. Melted snow can become ice if it refreezes, which then turns into an ice dam that can cause more problems with your roof.

Snow on Your Roof Is a Sign that Your Roof Is Doing Its Job

Having a layer of snow on top of your roof can mean that your roof is doing what it needs to do and keeping extra heat within your home. The layer of snow means it isn’t melting due to residual heat that may be escaping from the attic and transferring to your roof and exteriors.

Although excess heat transfer may sound like a minor issue because heat does not escape evenly throughout the roof, it can cause more damage than if it stayed where it was. If excess heat goes out of the roof’s top, causing the snow to melt and go towards the edges and gutters installed, this melted snow can refreeze as it is colder in these roof areas. The refrozen snow can cause a solid ridge of ice along the roof’s edge, also known as an ice dam. These blocks of ice can lead to roof damage and leakage. So, if you are experiencing a buildup of snow on your roof, it can only mean that your roof is insulating heat within your home.

Heavier snowfall can be very tough on your roof, especially if you live in an area that receives two or more feet of snowfall regularly. You need to ensure that your roof is built to withstand the snow. However, if more snow keeps falling on top of older layers of snow, it can get heavier and affect the quality of your roof, as most home roofs can only withstand about 20 pounds of snow every square foot.

If you think the snow is reaching those levels or is expected, and you already have a few layers of snow on the roof, you may want to think about removing the snow yourself or getting it removed to avoid your roof caving in, especially when the temperature reaches sub-zero levels.

Unmelted Snow May Act Like an Insulating Blanket

Some homeowners have also wondered whether snow buildup on your roof can lead to better home insulation as it does not allow heat to escape easily. The light and fluffy snow particles have a composition similar to that of fiberglass insulation; in other words, it is similar to glass but only made of ice. Several homeowners have also noticed that their homes feel a little bit warmer after a good snowfall as long as they also have adequate insulation for their attic floor that keeps the heat trapped within their homes.

It is also believed that snowfall measuring around 0-07 inches may have the same amount of insulation as a batt of fiberglass insulation, offering an R-value of 18. Although snow can help maintain your home’s insulation levels in a small way, you must rely on more than just snow and a roof for the protection you need. To ensure proper safety, you need to contact an excellent contractor to look into how you can insulate your home better before winter makes its way to your area or if you want to add a few more layers of fiberglass insulation to your attic floor to improve your home’s insulation.

Conclusion

The easiest way to prevent roof damage due to snow is to invest in high-quality roof shingles that are correctly installed. Some of the best roof for snow options include metal roofs that can withstand heavier snow piling. These cement options are among the strongest materials that can hold large amounts of snow and ice or slate roofs, which can withstand heavy snow, ice, hail, wind, and even fire. Getting your roof regularly inspected for any damage or leakage can also help maintain the longevity of your roof while investing in good quality snow removal tools enables you to avoid snow buildup on the roof and prevents roof damage due to the use of rakes or shovels not specifically build for snow removal.

Regularly check the gutters in your home to ensure they are clear of any debris so that they can effectively drain out any melted snow. We at RemodelYourHome have some of the best roof contractors and engineers who can help you ensure your roof is well-insulated and ready to withstand whatever the elements throw at it. Contact us today to see how we can help.

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