In climates that are prone to harsh winters and freezing temperatures, the threat of potential damage caused by snow and ice buildup on your roof is always present during the winter months. But what exactly are the effects of snow and ice buildup on the roof of your home, and what can you do to prevent it from happening in the first place? Here’s a look at some of the very real scenarios that could play themselves out if you leave snow and ice on your roof to accumulate throughout the winter.
Extra Weight– Did you know that when snow is saturated, it weighs 20 pounds per cubic foot? This means that a blizzard that brings 1 foot of snow can cause an additional 14,000 pounds to weigh down your roof. Needless to say, this extra weight can cause structural damage that may require restoration services.
Water Damage– The excess moisture from snow and ice melt can seep into the roof between the shingles, which can cause rot on your roof and damage your gutters, not to mention potentially damage the interior of your attic. Not only that, but extra moisture also provides a breeding ground for mold and mildew in walls, ceilings and insulation.
Ice Dams– As snow and ice melt on the roof throughout the day and then refreeze overnight, this can cause ice dams to form. Ice dams are caused by the melting of snow and ice on the roof from the underside, due to an overly warm attic among other things. The ice dam then allows moisture to seep into the roof and cause water damage to both the exterior and interior of your home.
If there was a block of ice on your roof edge this winter season, it is only a matter of time before you experience leaking, which can result in mold, rot and decay. Fortunately there are solutions to keep ice and snow from staying on your roof and wreaking havoc. Roof ice melting equipment from HotEdge can keep snow and ice from accumulating on your roof in the first place. Call HotEdge for more information to prevent roof ice build-up.
