It’s easy to smile at the first snowfall. The fluffy white stuff reminds us that holiday celebrations are just around the corner. However, winter weather also comes with seasonal concerns, especially up on the roof.
Here in the northern part of the country, we understand how frozen precipitation can impact our homes and businesses. When too much snow accumulates on the roof, it turns into a serious and even dangerous situation.
The weather becomes less predictable every year, so you want to be prepared for the worst this winter. As Chicago’s leading water damage restoration company, we can help.
ServiceMaster by Zaba offers this in-depth look at everything you need to know about snow damage on the roof.
Key Takeaways
- In case of snow damage to your roof, it’s best to contact a roofing professional for repairs. Temporary measures like tarping the roof may be necessary, and it’s important to contact your insurance company as most policies cover snow-related roof damage. For water damage inside the home, a certified water damage professional should be called to help out with restoration, such as ServiceMaster of Lake Shore: 312-707-8597
- It’s essential to act fast because heavy snow accumulation on roofs can lead to serious issues like water seeping into attics, walls, and ceilings, damaged shingles, flashing, and underlayment, and even structural damage that could cause a roof collapse.
- Signs of too much snow on your roof include loose shingles and flashing, sagging roof ridges and eaves, creaking noises, and leaks in the attic and lower floors.
- Preventative measures include raking excessive snow off the roof, ventilating and insulating the attic, ensuring proper attic exhaust, cleaning gutters and downspouts, inspecting and repairing the roof before winter, and considering heat cables to prevent ice dams.
What Does Snow Do to a Roof?
Can heavy snow damage your roof? The answer is a definite yes.
A roof’s slope is designed to shed rainwater and melting snow. Clogged gutters and ice dams interfere with this simple function. A blanket of snow on the roof makes both problems worse.
As the bottom layer of snow melts during the day, the runoff spills over blocked gutters and refreezes behind ice dams.
The results range from water dripping into attics, ceilings and walls to damaged shingles, flashing and underlayment.
Excessive snow