Snow and ice can cause significant damage to a roof. Heavy snowfall can cause the roof to collapse under its weight, and ice dams can form, allowing water to back up under the shingles and into the house. Furthermore, freezing temperatures can cause material expansion and contraction, resulting in cracking and other damage. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems but you should be aware of the potential issues that snow and ice can cause on your roof.
- To remove snow from the roof, use a roof rake. You use this tool to safely remove snow from the roof without climbing on it. To avoid putting too much strain on the roof, only remove snow in small amounts.
- Melt ice dams with a roof de-icing cable. These cables are installed along the roof’s edge and use electricity to melt the ice, preventing it from accumulating and causing water damage.
- Melt the ice on the roof with calcium chloride or rock salt. These products can be spread on the roof and will melt the ice; however, be mindful of the surrounding vegetation and consult a professional if you have any concerns.
To summarize, snow and ice can significantly impact a roof, and it is critical to be aware of the potential issues they can cause. Heavy snowfall can cause the roof to collapse, and ice dams can cause water to back up under the shingles causing leaks. These problems can be avoided with regular maintenance and inspections. It is recommended that a roof rake be used to remove snow, a roof de-icing cable be used to melt ice dams, and calcium chloride or rock salt be used to melt ice on the roof. However, if you have any concerns about the safety or proper procedures, you should consult a professional.