The Ultimate Guide to Your Roof and Snow
What is the Best Type of Roofing Material for Snow?
Asphalt shingles are the classic option and do well year-round and in all weather types. They are the more affordable roofing options compared to many others and are easy to maintain. Your average roof shingles may not hold up to blizzard level wind; however, IKO's wind-resistant shingles have a 130-mph wind protection guarantee. Asphalt shingles are a staple of many northern climates and always a good bet when it comes to roofing for the winter.
Roofing products like clay are primarily used in more tropical climates and require additional structural support for the roof-deck to support it, like slate roofing. Metal roofs require extra insulation for colder climates and cannot always hold up to wind damage.
Is Snow a Good Insulator?
There are some advantages to having a light layer of snow on your home. Snow can act as a form of insulation and protect your home from losing heat through the attic. Depending on the type of snow and moisture content, snow roughly has an R-value of one. If you're concerned about the heating in your home, adding more insulation in your attic, installing a radiant barrier below your roof, or adding rigid foam insulation above your sheathing could help. Air sealing around the chimney, pipes, windows, and doors is also a substantial impact.
Why is Snow Melting on My Roof?
Melting snow often indicates that you do not have adequate attic ventilation and insulation and are losing heat through your roof. Inadequate ventilation and insulation is also the primary cause of ice dams, as the edges of your roof are colder and cause the melted snow to refreeze. This is where a solid ridge of ice starts to form over the roof's edge, leading to roof leaks and damage.
How Much Snow On a Roof Is Dangerous?
Although your roof is built to withstand snow, there is a limit. Most roofs can handle about 20 pounds of snow per square foot, about 2 feet of wet snow, or 4 feet of fluffy snow. Too much snow can also cause sagging ceilings, major water leaks, cracks in walls, and loud cracking noises if you aren't careful. This is when you might want to consider getting the snow removed from your roof by a roofing company.
Put a Klaus on Your House!
Even if there is snow on your roof, we can inspect your attic and often make an adequate evaluation from there. It is also a good time to evaluate for leaks. We can improve your ventilation and air sealing to avoid ice dams, evaluate the structural integrity of your roof and gutters, and can clear the snow off your roof if you wish. Our workers know just what to do to safely remove snow from your roof! Schedule your FREE estimate and put a Klaus on your house today!
