Winter in Wisconsin brings picturesque snowfall, but for homeowners, that blanket of white can also mean trouble — especially when it accumulates in large piles on your roof. The weight of snow on your roof can be a serious concern, leading to structural damage, leaks, and even roof collapse if it’s not managed properly. But how do you know when it’s time to remove the snow? And what factors determine the safe amount that your roof can handle?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about snow accumulation on both pitched and flat roofs, how much snow is too much, and when to take action to prevent expensive damage from occurring in the future.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Snow Loads On Your Roof?
But it’s just snow, why should I need to be concerned about it? Yes, this is a common thought, but know that while you might enjoy snowfall, your roof has very limited ability to handle it.
Excessive amounts of snow add immense weight to your roof, increasing the risk of structural damage or even collapse. The weight of snow, or more precisely, constant or frequent snow buildup adds weight. A light, fluffy snowfall may not pose an immediate threat to the roof, but a heavy, wet snowfall or accumulated layers of ice can become a major threat to your home’s integrity. You’ll need to be extra concerned if your property has a flat roof installed.
Understanding The Impact Snow Loads Have On Your Roof
How heavy the snow is on your roof depends on the type. For instance, light, fluffy snow weighs significantly less than wet, compacted snow or ice.
On average:
- Fresh, dry snow weighs around 3 pounds per square foot for every inch of depth
- Wet, heavy snow can weigh 20 pounds or more per cubic foot
- Ice is the most dangerous, weighing nearly 60 pounds per cubic foot
Roofs are designed to withstand a certain amount of snow, but long periods of accumulation or excessive weight can exceed that threshold, leading to sagging, leaks, and even collapse in extreme cases.
Situations When Removing Snow From Your Roof Becomes Necessary
When Accumulation Exceeds Safe Limits
Your roof faces a lot, but there may come a time when it’s not able to handle the stress of harsh weather. For most residential roofs, the general guideline is as follows:
Pitched Roofs:
A pitched roofing system is better suited to handle snow loads. In fact, the higher the pitch of your roof, the more your roof can withstand the snow. The slope of the roof allows snow to slide off easily, which means you don’t have to be as worried about snow causing a problem. Ideally, you should start to remove the snow if it accumulates to more than 18 inches deep (about 1.5 to 2 feet) or consists of wet, heavy layers.
Also Read: Roof 101: Understanding The Parts Of Your Roof
Flat Roofs:
These are far more vulnerable to the weight of snow since they lack the natural shedding ability of sloped roofs. Due to a small slope, most of the snow will remain on the top of your roof for long periods of time. If snow accumulation reaches 12 inches or more, it’s time to clear it off.
Signs of Structural Strain
Sometimes, your home will show warning signs that your roof is under too much stress, including:
- Sagging rooflines
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Doors that no longer close properly
- Strange popping or creaking sounds
These symptoms indicate that the weight of the snow may be pushing your roof to its limit. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe structural damage.
Ice Dams Are Forming
Ice dams occur when heat from inside your home melts snow on the roof, only for it to refreeze at the edges, forming thick ice ridges. These blocks water from draining off the roof properly, causing water to pool and seep into your home, leading to leaks and water damage. Removing snow before ice dams form is the best way to prevent this costly issue.
After a Heavy Snowfall or Blizzard
A sudden, heavy snowfall can quickly add substantial weight to your roof. If a major storm dumps more than 6 to 8 inches of wet snow in a short period, it’s a good idea to assess and potentially remove some of the buildup to prevent excessive strain.
Before a Warm-Up or Rainstorm
If a warm front or rainstorm is in the forecast, take proactive measures. Rainfall on top of accumulated snow drastically increases the weight on your roof. Snow that was once light and fluffy can absorb rainwater, turning it into a heavy, dense mass that poses a serious risk and needs to be removed as soon as possible.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Snow From Your Roof?
While removing snow may seem straightforward, doing it incorrectly can lead to personal injury or even cause damage to your roof. Here are the best practices:
For Pitched Roofs:
- Use a roof rake that is able to extend to the highest points on your roof, allowing you to stay safely on the ground.
- Start from the edges and work upward, rather than scraping downward, to avoid damaging shingles.
- Leave a thin layer of snow rather than scraping off the entire surface of the roof to prevent damage.
- Never use metal tools, which can damage roofing materials.
For Flat Roofs:
- If safe, use a snow shovel or push broom with a plastic blade to gently remove snow.
- Avoid piling the removed snow in one spot, as this can create uneven weight distribution.
- If you have a large or commercial flat roof, consider hiring professionals to safely remove excess snow without compromising the roof’s integrity.
What to Avoid:
- Don’t climb onto a pitched roof without proper safety equipment.
- Never use open flames or hot water to melt ice — this can cause thermal shock and damage roofing materials.
- Avoid chemical de-icers that can corrode roofing materials or harm vegetation below.
Why Should You Call A Professional Roofer?
While removing small amounts of snow can be handled easily by homeowners, assessing the exact weight and danger level of snow accumulation is challenging. Attempting the task with little experience may just cause you to damage the roofing materials, causing you more money in repairs. This is where talking to a roofing company can be extremely helpful. Professionals can handle snow removal in a safe and effective way, protecting your home from ice dam damage and leaks.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin homeowners must be vigilant about snow accumulation to avoid expensive roof repairs or even catastrophic structural failure. By monitoring snowfall, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to call in professionals, you can protect your home all winter long.
If you’re unsure about the snow on your roof or need professional assistance with repairs or replacement, don’t hesitate to contact Prestige Roofing LLC at (920) 791-0414. Let our experts ensure your home stays safe and sound throughout the winter season!