Is Snow On Your Roof Dangerous?

IS SNOW ON YOUR ROOF DANGEROUS?

The first snow of the season is a magical moment. The neighborhood is quiet as the peaceful sound of snow gently falls, covering your home in sheets of glistening white. That is – until it’s not so great. Keep reading to learn if snow on your roof is dangerous.

We are all familiar with the curses of snow: shoveling our driveways, slipping on ice, canceling schools, endless amounts of melting snow being dragged in from the outdoors. The truth is our winter wonderland can leave behind quite a mess. That is especially true for your roof.

Snowfall is your roof’s beautiful enemy. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to keep your home protected during and after a snowstorm.

Water Stains On Your Ceiling Or Walls

It’s no secret that visible water stains on your ceilings or walls are warning signs of bigger issues. Unfortunately, water stains become common with roofs around 20 years of age. Older roofs are more susceptible to water damage as the shingles and other layers of protection begin to fail over time. Failing layers of protection yield water damage. Makes sense, right?

After a snowstorm, the snow accumulates on the roof. If the pitch of your roof is not steep enough for it to fall off naturally, snow will turn to ice and sit until it melts. Ice dams commonly form on the eaves (edge of the roof). As the snow melts, it can enter your home in a variety of ways: missing or lifted shingles, nail holes, loose or damaged flashing – the list goes on and on.

In homes with easy attic access, we recommend conducting a visual inspection. If your roof has a leak, the first place it will present itself is in your attic. Water may drip alongside structural supports or directly onto the attic floor. If you see a water spot on the interior of your home, take care of it immediately by contacting a roofing professional. Although it may appear like a small issue, the damage could be more extensive than what meets the eye, such as mold or structural damage. The quicker you catch water damage, the better it is for your home (and your wallet).

Be proactive: take a tour of your home during and after a snowstorm to inspect for water spots..

Schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofing company.

Heavy Snow Accumulation

When is the last time you built a snowman? Whether you were a kid or an adult, we can all agree that snow is heavy. Understanding the level of difficulty lifting the base of a snowman, imagine the amount of weight on your roof.

As snow accumulates, the weight of the snow creates added stress. If your roof is older, you may notice signs of sagging where the layer of roof decking has deteriorated. Is snow on my roof dangerous? In severe cases, the added weight from snow and ice can cause a roof to collapse. Do not wait until the worst-case scenario. If you see signs of structural damage to your roof, contact a professional roofing company immediately.

Schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofing company.

Uneven Snow Melting (Hot Spots)

Having a snow-covered roof is not always a bad thing. While you are outside shoveling the driveway, take a moment to look up at your roof. Are there small patches of melted snow? Sections of snow that have melted quicker than the rest indicate areas where heat is escaping. Here are some things that could cause your roof to lose heat:

• Poor Attic Insulation
• Missing Shingles
• Deteriorated Roof Decking
• Lose Seals Around Chimney or Vents

As heat escapes, your energy bills rise. Is snow on my roof dangerous? In this case, no it is not dangerous. But if you are concerned about your roof losing heat and your energy bills rising, speak with a professional roofing company to .

Schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofing company.

Snowstorms can be a magical experience for you and your family. Or it can be a total nightmare on your home. No matter the age of your roof, stay proactive to limit the amount of damage. Whether you are looking for peace-of-mind or repair work, our Happy Home experts are available to conduct a 29-point roof inspection for your home.

Be a proactive homeowner so during the next snowstorm, you can sit back and enjoy the winter wonderland. If you are looking to replace your roof, schedule your complimentary roof assessment today. Our team at Happy Home Roofing is here to guide you through the winter months.