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Joye Roofing> is one of Columbia, SC's best roofers. Contact them today to receive your free roof inspection> and get all your roofing questions answered. 
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Now that winter is fast approaching, many homeowners may wonder: Can snow damage my roof?

The truth is that any form of water can be harmful for roofs, but when the temperature drops below freezing, water and snow can especially be a problem.

Let's say you get a sleety rain when the temperature is hovering around 35 degrees F. When night falls, the temperature may dip to 28 degrees F. Water can get into the smallest crevices and then freeze. When it freezes, it expands. As it warms up, more water is present, making the cracks bigger. The more often this freeze-thaw happens, a great deal of moisture gets into the shingles causing them to expand and wear out. Leaks can cause water damage and potential wood rot to the wooden framing underneath.

Heavy snow can also present some unique problems. Snow accumulation on your roof causes a great deal of stress which can weaken the entire roof. Different roofs have different configurations, which can cause snow to accumulate in higher levels due to blowing and drifting. This can cause as much as five times the amount of snow in certain areas of the roof. Areas where the roof meets a solid wall, or places where there is a lower roof or awning, can cause a greater accumulation of snow.

How do homeowners know when there is too much snow for their roof to bear?
According to yellowpages.ca, it depends on your location. In heavy snow areas, roofs are made to bear heavier accumulations of snow. However, a general benchmark for residential roofs is 8 cm (20 lb.) per square foot. If the roof slope is greater than 8 cm (3 inches) for every 31 cm (12 inches) of horizontal distance, melting snow should run off adequately. However, remember that new snow falling on top of old, packed snow weighs more which may make yesterday's packed snow twice as heavy.

What is an ice dam?
Ice dams form when the accumulated ice and snow on the roof melts but then freezes all along the edges and eaves of the roof. This edge of ice keeps water from running off the roof which can cause water to find its way under the roof shingles and even into the house. Large ice dams have been known to tear the rain gutters and flashing off the roof.

What can a homeowner do to address these problems?
Investing in an inexpensive snow rake will help in snow removal from the roof. For ice dams, homeowners may be able to use a hammer and chisel to chip away at the ice to loosen it. Remember to take the proper precautions when climbing a ladder, especially in icy weather.

Keep a Good Record
Creating a tracking record of visual assessments and matching them with a baseline, possibly with photographs, will help homeowners keep track of the cumulative damage done by weather over a period of time. This benchmark will help keep track of any changes occurring.

Joye Roofing offers a free, professional roof inspection>. Once we complete our inspection checklist, we will give you an estimate on any work which may be needed. Joye Roofing Columbia has an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and tons of rave reviews> from past customers.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Joye Roofing as the author and a link to our website https://www.joyeroofing.com/. The URL for this article is https://www.joyeroofing.com/roofing-disaster-restoration/does-snow-and-ice-impact-the-life-of-my-roof. Email us with any questions.

What do you need to know before installing rooftop solar panels?
Doing your homework and becoming knowledgeable about solar panel installation and your requirements, will protect you from difficulties and added costs. Because solar panels are sometimes installed by solar professionals who may not have a background in roofing, they may not be aware of the impact to your roof's lifespan. When owners rent their roofs to solar providers, there are logistical and legal issues which may arise over loss of income during roof work, or liability issues in the event of theft, vandalism or damage. In addition, installation of solar panels can nullify your roofing material's warranty without the contractor or roofing manufacturer's permission.
There is also the issue of fires associated with solar panels. The occurrance of fire is rare but has happened. The plastic components that some ballasted systems use may not be fire resistant, and polystyrene insulation pads which are installed under the panels are also a potential risk.
According to buildings.com, to determine whether or not your roof is a good candidate for solar panels, factors to be considered are:

1. The load-carrying capacity of the deck and framing
2. The type of roofing systems you have and its slope
3. The roof's age and condition
4. The height of your home, and wind and seismic loads.

A roof that can accommodate increased loads without modification, protected membrane roofs, roof membrane assemblies constructed with high compressive strength, and roofs with a positive slope for drainage, are all classified as good candidates.

Installation choices include a penetrating, mechanically fastened, ballasted or laminated system. In low-slope roofs, NRCA recommends a penetrating system where the panels are attached to the building structure. Ballasted systems are less expensive to install because they minimize the risk to the building during installation. Use of curbs, sleepers or posts must be designed and attached to the building frame to with-stand wind and other environmental challenges. Penetrating and mechanically fastened systems can be designed to use with any building and roofing system.

Installing solar panels should not harm your roof if installed properly. Solar professionals will work with you and and show you how much weight your roof will tolerate and what equipment will work best for you and your roof. Panels should be laid out and kept away from walls or other structures that may cause shade. They also must not be installed near or close to equipment with hot exhaust, high-wind zones and roof perimeter.
In most cases, a racking system mounts the panels, with any resulting gaps sealed. Coverings such as flashing may be needed which results in additional barriers to protect your roof. Your roof's integrity is preserved and in some cases, may be made better.

How much do solar panels weigh?
Solar panels contain solar cells which are made of some form of silicon, and metal conductor strips and antireflective coating. Wiring and hardware attach panels to the roof. Solar panels don't add much weight, usually about four pounds per square foot. That being said, if a roof is in disrepair before they are installed, it doesn't take much weight to cause cracks or leaks in your shingles.
Many of today's top solar professionals have the expertise to install solar technology without inflicting damage. There is some drilling with installation but the equipment and attachments used by the professionals will protect your roof. In addition, these solar technicians have the expertise to maneuver your roof with no damage. If your roof's lifespan will not exceed the life of the solar systems, consider replacing the roof before installing solar panels.

We hope that you have found this article helpful and informative.
Joye Roofing> completes roof inspections throughout the Columbia area. Our roof inspector will show up on time and give you an honest assessment free of cost.
Need a roof certification letter or roof certification report? Whether you are buying a house, have roof damage, or are anticipating roof issues due to age or wear, we will do a free roof inspection for you. Joye Roofing Columbia has an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and tons of rave reviews from past customers.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Joye Roofing as the author and a link to our website https://www.joyeroofing.com/. The URL for this article is https://www.joyeroofing.com/roofing-disaster-restoration/will-solar-panels-impact-my-roof. Email us with any questions.