Winter is a time of joy for many homeowners, but it can also bring with it problems in the form of heavy snowfall. Snow accumulation can lead to significant damage to the roof, resulting in costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. In this blog, we’ll look at the different ways snow can cause damage to roofs and provide tips on how to prevent it.

Here in Sheffield, Rotherham, Chesterfield and The Peak District, we’ve seen a lot of snow recently. This has led to a high number of calls from customers regarding roofing issues caused by snow. Many people don’t realise that snow can cause roof damage, so here are a few of the most common problems.

Common Problems With Snow On Roofs

Leaks are often a problem after heavy snowfall. This is because the snow on your roof creates ice dams. Another issue caused by snow is the bonding of tiles and slates. As the snow settles on the roof and heat rises out of the house, the bottom layer of snow melts. This causes the top layer to slide down the roof. When it reaches the eaves and edge of the roof, it freezes again, creating a block of bonded tiles and snow. This block can be very heavy and can break off the bottom course of tiles.

Leaks can be a serious issue, so if you’re worried about your roof, don’t hesitate to call us. We cover Sheffield, Rotherham, Chesterfield and The Peak District, so give Dalton Roofing a call on 0114 2799 799.

Types Of Damage Caused By Snow To Roofs

Snow can cause a variety of damage to roofs, including:

• Leaks: Heavy snowfall can cause leaks to form in the roof, leading to water damage to the interior of your home. Leaks can also form when snow melts and seeps into cracks or holes in the roof.
• Structural Damage: When snow accumulates on the roof, it can add extra weight, which can cause the structure of the roof to become weakened and even collapse.
• Ice Dams: Ice dams are caused when snow melts from the heat from inside the home, then refreezes and builds up along the edge of the roof. This can lead to water backing up and seeping into the home.
• Mold and Mildew: The dampness created by melting snow can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

How To Prevent Damage To Your Roof From Snow

You can help prevent damage to your roof caused by snow by taking a few simple steps:

• Keep Gutters Clear: Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris so that melting snow can properly drain away from the roof.

• Install Snow Guards: Snow guards are metal bars installed along the roof line to help prevent snow and ice from sliding off in large chunks and damaging the roof.

• Inspect Your Roof: Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage and have any necessary repairs done before the winter season.

• Add Insulation: Make sure your attic is properly insulated to help reduce the amount of heat escaping from the home and melting the snow on the roof.

• Shovel Snow: If possible, it’s a good idea to shovel snow off the roof to reduce the amount of weight and help prevent ice dams from forming. It’s important to be careful when doing this as it can be dangerous. 

• Hire A Professional: If you’re unable to take the necessary steps to prevent damage to your roof from snow, you may want to hire a professional roofer to help. They can inspect your roof and provide recommendations on how to best protect it.

How To Remove Snow Safely From Your Roof

Removing snow from your roof can be a tricky task, especially if you don’t have the right equipment or knowledge. It’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and your home. Here are some tips on how to safely remove snow from your roof:

1. Use the right equipment. Make sure you have the correct tools for the job, such as a sturdy ladder, a snow rake and a snow shovel. Also, wear appropriate clothing, such as waterproof boots and gloves, and make sure that you have someone to spot you in case you lose your footing.
2. Start at the edge of the roof. Begin by clearing the snow away from the edges of the roof and working your way up. When using a snow rake, make sure to use a gentle sweeping motion and avoid scraping the roof.
3. Work in layers. To prevent damaging the roof, work in layers and be sure to brush off the snow as you go. This will also help to prevent chunks of snow from falling and potentially damaging your vehicles or landscaping below.
4. Don’t use too much pressure. When shovelling or raking the snow, make sure to use only light pressure. Too much force can damage the shingles or the structure of the roof.
5. Don’t climb onto the roof. It can be tempting to climb directly onto the roof, but this can be extremely dangerous. If the snow is more than a few inches deep, it’s best to hire a professional to take care of it for you.

Following these tips will help to ensure that you’re able to safely and efficiently remove snow from your roof. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to call in a professional to help.

Conclusion

Snow can cause significant damage to roofs, but you can help protect your roof and avoid costly repairs or replacements by taking the right precautions. Keep gutters clear, install snow guards, inspect your roof, add insulation, shovel snow and consider hiring a professional roofer to help.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent damage to your roof from snow and protect your home this winter season.