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.

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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.

Your roof is your home's first line of defense in severe weather. Preparing your roof for winter will help protect your roof from further damage down the road. Following a few simple and preventive maintenance steps will ensure that your roof will keep the cold weather out and the warmth in.

Before we begin, remember that getting up on a roof can be dangerous. A roofing professional is trained to work on roofs, has the right equipment, and knows what to look for. If you do decide to work on your roof, please take all the necessary steps to be safe. Websites such as www.gaf.com/roofing/residential/diy/learn_roofing_safety have the information you need to be safe before getting on a roof.

1. CLEARING DEBRIS
Debris such as leaves, branches, pine needles and other small debris need to be cleared from your roof. These items can rot and will break down roofing material and inhibit water flow. Use a broom or a blower to clean debris. Rakes will harm your shingles. Pay attention to the valleys to keep them clear of small debris which will also help with water flow. If you find algae, moss, or mold growing on your roof, you may want to have this professionally treated and cleaned to prevent further growth. Companies such as southeastpressurecleaning.com advertise roof cleaning in this area.

2. CLEANING GUTTERS
Clearing your gutters of leaves and debris will keep water from backing up and damaging your roof, siding, or trim. This will also ensure that the weight from the backup of leaves and debris will not cause your gutters and downspouts to pull away from your anchors and collapse. Keep your gutters clear during the fall and after all the leaves are down, do a final cleaning and inspection. Installing gutter screens or guards will prevent leaves and debris from collecting in your gutters. Another preventative measure is to add extensions to your downspouts to help keep water away from your foundation.

3. INSPECTION
After your roof and gutters are cleared of debris, check your roof for loose or missing shingles or shingles with curled or frayed edges. This is the time to have them repaired or replaced. Inspect the flashing around skylights, vents, pipes or any other projections to make sure they are properly sealed.

4. ATTIC, INSULATION, AND VENTILATION
A properly insulated and ventilated attic is extremely important for the long-term health of your roof. Vents should be located at the soffits, ridges and gables to ensure that hot air will not condense causing moisture damage and possible rot or mold to form on roof supports.
Inspect your attic for wet areas, especially the under-roofing and the insulation. Check your insulation's volume for uniformity and signs of any disturbance. Inspect all areas of your attic for signs of animal activity or nests. Make sure all attic vents and fans are working properly.

​Preparing your roof for winter is a big step in preventing small problems from becoming big problems. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can boost the lifespan of your roof.

Joye Roofing offers a free roof inspection. Their professionals will inspect your roof and give you an honest assessment free of charge. Check out their 5 star rating on Facebook and Google My Business.

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/preparing-your-roof-for-winter. Email us with any questions.