Heavy snowfall can be a winter highlight for those who enjoy the colder months and hitting the slopes, but it can also cause damage to your roof if you stay aware o the warning signs. Below, we’ll highlight some telltale signs of snow damage and share a few situations in which you should remove snow from your roof.
Signs of Snow Damage
Knowing the signs of snow damage is an essential part of keeping your home safe. Here are a few things to look out for:
Water Leaks
A heavy snow load on your roof can cause frost or ice to form under its sheathing or even inside of your roof and walls, which can lead to water leaks. If you notice brown stains on your ceiling or bubbling on your walls, contact a professional right away.
Damaged Shingles
Missing or cracked shingles can cause extensive issues for your home. Luckily, they’re a relatively simple issue to fix, as they can be easily replaced by a professional roofing company. However, you’ll want to catch the problem early to prevent issues like water and debris leakage, mold, and more.
Granule Loss
If you notice that your shingles are losing granules, the crushed minerals that are bonded to the asphalt, along with their black color, it’s time to get your roof fixed and replace your shingles Keep an eye out for this issue after a heavy snowfall.
When to Remove Snow
When necessary, professional roofers can safely remove snow from your roof with shovels and special snow equipment. Generally, a roof can handle a snow load of 20 pounds per square foot. Keeping this rule of thumb in mind, pay attention to the snow load on your roof and always remove it in these situations:
After a Major Snowfall
When a winter storm strikes and you experience 6 or more inches of snowfall, it’s time to check the snow load on your roof. Luckily, fresh snow is easy to remove. If you act fast, clearing your roof will be as painless as possible.
If You Find Ice Dams
Ice dams, which are caused by frozen water on the edge of your roof and in your gutter system, can lead to issues like leaks or even a roof collapse if they’re not taken care of. If you find ice dams on your roof, act immediately by contacting a roofing company
When You Notice Visible Damage
Visible water damage within your home like water spots, warps, and cracks in drywall are telltale signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Not only should you remove the snow load on your roof when you notice these issues, but you should remain proactive by tending to the problems as soon as possible.
Stay proactive
Preventing a problem is always easier than fixing it. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re taking precautions so that your home doesn’t suffer damage from the snow load on your roof. A great roofer can help you and fix any issues that arise, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your home will stay sound throughout the winter.
At R.B Farina Roofing, we offer professional snow removal services. We not only remove snow from your roof(f) but investigate whether your roof hasn’t sustained any damage after a heavy storm – please contact us to learn more!