Accumulated snow can damage your roof if there’s too much. Do you need to remove the snow from your roof?

The snow on the roof of a cabin nestled in the woods can be a beautiful sight, but it could be a problem if the snow builds up too much. Some people who live in snowy regions shovel the snow off their roof every year but there are many factors to consider before you get started.

Blanket of Snow

It’s called a blanket for a reason: snow can act as an insulator for your home. It helps to hold the heat in. That is a good thing, but you want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t cause any damage.

How much is too much?

Roofs are designed with a snow load in mind. Many can carry up to 40 pounds per square foot, but some in less snowy areas may only hold 25 pounds per square foot. To figure out the weight of the snow on your roof, all it takes is a little math.

• Multiply the number of inches of snow times 1.25 pounds.
• Multiply the number of inches of ice times 5.2 pounds.
• Then add those two numbers together.

If you have 10 inches of snow and a quarter inch of ice, here is what the calculation looks like:

10 x 1.25 = 12.5

0.25 x 5.2 = 1.3

12.5 + 1.3 = 13.8 pounds per square foot

Another method to find out how much the snow weighs is to test it. Cut a 1 foot x 1 foot square of snow, put it in a bag, and weigh it. That will give you the approximate weight per square foot.

A good way to determine the snow load for your roof is to consult a contractor or a building inspector. Either one can give you guidance regarding how much snow load your roof can carry.

Ice

Ice weighs five times more than snow. If you have a situation where ice is repeatedly thawing and freezing, you probably have icicles and ice dams. This can be damaging to your home. Any sign of leaking in your home means you need to get the ice and snow off your roof.

Take care

If you decide to remove the snow from your roof, you must realize that it can be very dangerous. Never do it alone. You need someone else there to help you stay safe. There is a risk of sliding off the roof, falling off a ladder, or overexerting yourself. A large amount of snow falling off the roof at one time is like an avalanche. Be careful where you throw the snow so you don’t damage anything below. When shoveling, it’s best to leave a layer to protect the shingles. Otherwise you might cause more harm which could result in a leak. If you need to remove ice, use de-icing products instead of trying to chip or chisel it away. Because clearing snow and ice off the roof can be treacherous, it is best to contact a professional to do the job for you.

For Help With Your Roof, Call Jim Amos Contracting

Jim Amos Contracting has been serving the Anne Arundel County area for over 45 years. We apply our years of experience and expertise to every single job we do. We provide almost any home improvement service you can think of, from handyman services to complex home additions. Our business was built on our many return customers and their referrals, so we strive for 100% customer satisfaction. We will get every job done right the first time, on time and on budget. Give us a call at (410)-349-1700 or contact us through our website today. Jim Amos Contracting is looking forward to the chance to become your new favorite contractor!

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