How Does Snow & Ice Impact Your Roof?

Snow and ice are major issues for property owners in the DMV. When winter storms strike, you could end up with a lot of heavy snow and ice over your head.

Below, the experts at BRAX Roofing explain how to handle snow and ice on your roof, including removing it and dealing with weather-related roof damage.

How Does Snow Impact Your Roof?

Snow can be harmless to a roof as long as it doesn’t become too heavy. When snow falls, it’s light and airy, but when the sum warms it up, it begins to melt. This semi-melted snow is filled with heavy water, weighing down your roof significantly.

Prolonged exposure to heavy amounts of wet snow on a roof can lead to leaks, damaged shingles, and even cave-ins. It’s crucial to remove heavy snow before it causes problems.

How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?

The amount of snow a roof can hold will depend on several factors. A few of these factors include:

• The amount of snowfall
• The melting of the snow
• The length of time snow has been on the roof

While there is no universal weight of snow that a roof can hold, every roof will be rated for a different amount of weight, no matter the material. The company that installed your roof can provide you with an estimated weight your roof can hold before severe damage occurs.

Should I Remove Snow from My Roof?

While too much snow can cause serious roofing problems, it’s important to avoid removing it on your own. It can be very dangerous to climb your roof and remove snow if you aren’t properly trained. An expert can handle the job safely.

How To Get Snow Off a Roof

It’s always a good idea to let a professional remove snow from your roof, but there are ways to handle the job yourself. Investing in a roof rake can allow you to pull snow off the roof from the ground. Installing ropes on your roof will enable you to adjust them when the snow comes, shaking off the snow.

It’s important to avoid climbing onto your roof to remove the snow. Even if you are experienced with being on your roof, the snow can easily cause you to slip and fall.

How Does Ice Impact Your Roof?

Ice is a serious threat to the strength and safety of your roof. No matter the type of roof you have over your home or business, ice buildup can cause expansion and contraction problems as it cools your roof and thaws over time. This can result in cracks and broken pieces of shingles, metal, and other roofing materials.

What Is an Ice Dam On a Roof?

Ice dams occur when snow melts and refreezes on a roof. The soft, dry snow becomes wet in the sun, only to cool off and freeze again when the sun goes down.

Knocking down ice dams with a shovel can be risky, as you could damage your gutters or eaves. It’s best to work with a pro to carefully thaw the ice dams and remove small chunks at a time.

What Causes Ice Dams On Your Roof?

Ice dams form when snow on a roof begins to melt but refreezes along the way. A large amount of ice can form in the gutters or along the eaves of your home, adding substantial weight to both. It is important to remove ice dams immediately or prevent them altogether.

How To Prevent Ice Dams On a Roof

Removing the snow before it can melt and refreeze is the best way to avoid ice dams on your roof. There are many ways to remove snow from your roof, but it’s best to trust an experienced professional with the right tools. When you leave it to an expert, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be safe and the job will be done right.

Schedule Roofing Services in DC, Maryland, or Virginia

Snow and ice can be dangerous for your property, but the pros at BRAX Roofing can safely remove them and repair any damage. We provide roof inspections and repairs when damage has already been done. We also offer emergency roof repairs when you need a seriously damaged roof fixed ASAP.

Take great care of your roof with help from local pros. Call BRAX Roofing today to schedule roof repairs in the DMV area.