How Snow & Ice Can Impact Your Roof

While ice and snow may look beautiful during these chilly months, winter weather can pose a significant threat to your roof and the overall safety of your home. And while many roofing materials are designed to brave the elements, there are still several ways snow and ice can impact your roof’s lifespan.

#1: Damage from Extra Weight

Perhaps the most visible impact of snow and ice is the extra weight it adds to your roof. During an especially blustery winter storm, accumulated snow can weigh as much as 30 pounds per cubic foot and will be left to sit on your roof until it finally melts away. This extra pressure can lead to cracks and sags, which can let water into your home. While not every snowfall will produce large amounts of extra weight, snow, and ice on your roof over long periods of time can eventually weaken your overall home structure.

#2: Ice Damming

When snow and ice freeze at the eaves of your roof, it prevents water from draining into your gutters. This blockage means the excess water will build up on unprotected areas of your roof and can leak into your home. Ice dams can also be created in existing cracks in your roof, making them larger and more susceptible to extra damage when the ice thaws.

#3: Gutter Damage

Suppose your gutters are already clogged when winter weather calls, icicles are more likely to form. In addition to ice damming your gutters, the weight of icicles can impact their strength and stability. When melted snow and ice have nowhere to run off, this leads to the water buildup that can damage the rest of your roof and home.

How Snow & Ice Can Impact Your Roof