One of the most prominent things to be aware of when it comes to a homeowner’s roofing is how snow will effect it. Because many roofs can only handle a certain threshold of snow during the winter, it’s important to know how much is too much for your home. Here’s the skinny on how to prepare your roof for winter. So with just a little bit of prep work you can be prepared for the snow on your roof.
“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity.” - Novala Takemoto
First Step - Take a Look
The first thing you’ll want to do with your roofing is spotcheck it. If you notice anything damaged or off, you’ll want to take a closer gander at that. When it comes to the subject of how to prepare a roof for winter, the priority is making sure everything is working as intended. Be sure to be on the lookout for:
- Cracked shingles
- Broken material
- Sagging
- Any size of hole
- Bent or warped roofing
- Sun damage
- Bowing of any kind
Avoid a Collapse
The major cause for getting roof snow removal is to make sure your home doesn’t implode in on itself. The weight of the snow, combined with any structural damage, can fail and collapse. The key to preventing this is of course, watching for leaks and breaks in the roofing itself, but also just having the snow removed from your home. So take the time to wither inspect the roof yourself, or to have a professional do so.
Know How Much Snow Your Roof Can Handle
One thing to keep in mind is the load bearing weight of your roofing. Every roof has a limit and if that threshold is reached, it can weaken the structural integrity of the unit. To prevent an outright collapse, request professional service or invest in some roof snow removal equipment. This will allow for a longer lasting roof.
The PSF of Your Roof
One huge factor in the amount of weight your roof can take is figuring out the pounds per square foot (PSF) that the structure can handle. If the roofing fails, it will make the roof snow removal cost much higher. Most roofs have about 57 PSF which means that a large amount of snow can potentially make the unit fail, like in the case of several blizzards freezing on top of each other.
Cleaning Off Your Roof
While you can certainly purchase a roof snow removal tool (Home Depot should carry them), FEMA actually recommends purchasing a special roof rake to be used for your home. Be wary, as using the rake is fairly physically taxing. It’s one of the more exhausting forms of snow removal, so hire a pro instead. Several methods include:
- Rope
- Wire
- Roof rake
- Heated wire
- Long shovels
- Going out and physically shoveling the snow
FIxing a Leak in Your Roof
The first thing to be sure about is whether or not the leak is coming from your roof, or if it’s the work of an ice dam. If the former, you’re going to need a professional to patch that up. If the latter, you may want to clean out your gutters. Have a roof snow removal system in place to avoid these unpleasantries in the first place. Otherwise it’s all in determining what is causing the troof to leakub.
Any advice on keeping the snow off your roof? Or is there snow currently on your roof that you need removed? Let us know in the comments below!
Or, if you’re in need of professional help, request a quote at homeyouand talk to pros today.
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