Every Winter, homeowners in the United States can receive anywhere from a few inches to a few feet of snow on their properties. Inevitably snow and ice will begin to pile up on your roof. Most of the time this is completely natural but in some cases it can lead to problems with your roof and the supporting structure. Roofcorp wants to help homeowners know when snow accumulation on roofs becomes problematic or even hazardous.
Types of Snow Accumulation on Roofs
At first thought you may want to judge the severity of accumulated snow on your roof by the amount or height but this isn’t necessarily the case. It’s more about what type of snow is accumulating. Light fluffy snow can reach several inches or even feet of accumulation but it does not usually pose a problem. Heavy wet snow is the enemy as the weight of accumulation, even only at a few inches, can be significantly heavy. So the general rule on assessing a potential problem is not the amount of snow but they type and weight.
Snow Accumulation and Building Codes
Fortunately for most homeowners there are usually set building and load bearing codes for roofing frames and structures to accommodate even the most nasty of snow storms and accumulations pertinent to that region. The only homeowners that need to be extra cautious are ones that are not quite their home is up to code such as an older home that may have been built before these codes were put into place or homes that underwent construction or renovation without a permit.
When Snow Accumulation is Too Much
There are certain signs you home may give if snow accumulation or weight has reached problematic proportions. You may notice that some of the interior doors in your home, especially on a top level or near the attic space will become stuck or more difficult to open. Another sure sign that the load is too much are any cracks appearing in your walls or around framing areas. At this point you need to call a professional.
What To Do About Excess Accumulation
It is already dangerous enough for most homeowners to attempt work on their roofs. Factor in slick surfaces and unsure footing and the roof becomes a very dangerous place. It is best to leave snow and ice accumulation to the professionals. Call your local reputable roofing contractor and explain the problem. If they can’t help you with the problem themselves they may refer you to a service that can. These professionals have specialized equipment and know how to keep safe in these risky conditions!
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