It may be cold and snowy now, but before the thaw is the best time to identify the common risks of roof top ice and snow accumulation. Now is the time to arm yourself with the awareness and knowledge that could help you avoid costly catastrophe, disrupting your comfort and well-being.
Know Your Risks
Ice Dams: When snow melts and refreezes at the edges of your roof, it can create ice dams. These ice dams trap water, preventing it from draining properly, which can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold growth inside your building.
Water Leaks: Melting snow that cannot drain due to ice dams or clogged gutters may seep under shingles, causing leaks. This can damage ceilings, walls, and insulation, resulting in costly repairs.
Gutter Damage: The extra weight of snow and ice can strain gutters, causing them to detach or crack. Damaged gutters affect water drainage, leading to further roof and foundation problems.
Mold and Mildew: Accumulated snow and moisture increase the risk of mold and mildew, particularly if water infiltrates your attic or walls. Mold not only damages the building but can also lead to health problems.
Structural Integrity and Collapse: Excessive snow buildup can put significant stress on your roof. If the weight surpasses what the structure can handle, it can lead to sagging, cracks, or even a roof collapse.
Tips to Help Avoid Damage
Preventing these issues starts with an understanding of your options, from potential prevention products to basic maintenance.
Prevention products can include heat cables or mats that are installed along the roof edge and in gutters prior to winter. These products heat critical areas and prevent the ice dams that lead to shingle and gutter damage. Fast acting calcium chloride products to aid melting can be used to accomplish a similar result when an electrical installation is not an option. These products can be found at most hardware stores and popular online retailers; however, it is critically important to ensure you are using these as directed and consulting a professional for any usage or installation needs that could introduce additional risks.
Physically clearing snow from the roof to avoid structural damage and collapse may be an option for some and it can be quite effective. Of course, this is something that must be done with the utmost care and understanding of risks, the home, and the surrounding environment. Do not attempt to climb on your roof without this understanding. Consult a professional if you want to explore this method but are not fully aware of all risks and precautions. When working with a roof, it is important to refrain from using a hammer or other metal object to aid your work and to be mindful of your footwear and apparel to ensure it will not also damage the structure.
One of the best and safest methods to clear a roof can be done from the ground for many houses. Also available at most hardware stores and popular online retailers is a telescopic, plastic tip roof rake, which allows you to reach the snow on the roof from the ground and gently scrape it off, ensuring you direct the snow away from the foundation of your house. While you may not “clear” the roof entirely with this method, it helps to remove snow before it reaches a significant depth and weight that can enact significant pressure on flat or low-slope roofs. As stated above, always consider contacting a professional if you have concerns about your roof's condition or the amount of snow buildup.
RECAP
For flat or low-slope roofs, remove snow before it reaches 12 inches deep. Snow compacts and becomes heavier over time.
Consider using a telescopic, plastic tipped roof rake to aid with removal (when safe and applicable).
Watch where you rake the snow. Direct the snow away from the house foundation to avoid potential water damage.
Be aware of your roof condition. Damaged shingles or other issues could worsen with improper snow removal.
Clear gutters and downspouts. Ensure water can flow freely off the roof to prevent ice dam formation.
Consider products such as heated mats, cables, and tablets to clear ice near gutters. Ensure you are using these as directed and consulting a professional for any usage or installation needs that could introduce additional risks.
Consider professional help. If you are unsure about your ability to safely remove snow from your roof, consult a professional roofing contractor. It may sound costly now, but it could save you significantly in the long-run.