Living in Michigan, residents are accustomed to generous amounts of snowfall, but this winter has been legendary. Snow totals this season have been punishing at times. Traverse City alone has seen nearly 20 inches above yearly expectations, and there’s still more to come! Roofs this year have been buried under heavy snow loads for weeks, forming ice dams and wreaking havoc on those that are neglected. The reality is that while snow may look picturesque blanketing your roof, the weight can add up to disaster.
As temperatures start to trend upwards, the mix of snow and rain is a dangerous combination on the roof. In this guide, we will help homeowners understand the true weight of snow on the roof, the damage it can cause, and when to take action and remove it. For the DIY-savvy homeowner, we’ll offer safe removal methods and discuss when to call in professional residential roofing contractors. Taking action now to remove the snow will prevent serious structural damage and costly repairs later on. To truly understand the stress snow can put on a roof, let’s look at the real numbers.
The Real Numbers: How Much Weight Are We Talking About?
Light and fluffy, sparkling white, falling snow in the winter appears soft and harmless, but its weight can cause real stress on roofs. Depending on moisture content, different types of snow have varying weights. Here are approximate weights of different types of snow in varying conditions:
- Light and Dry Snow: Common during really cold temperatures, light, dry, fluffy snow has a lower moisture content, allowing larger amounts to fall before snow removal is needed. On average, this type of snow weighs anywhere between 3 and 6 pounds per cubic foot. This translates into approximately .25 to 0.5 pounds per foot per inch of accumulation. For 10 inches of fresh powder, the additional weight may be 5 pounds per square foot.
- Settled, Packed Snow: The average weight of settled or packed snow adds about 20 pounds per cubic foot. For a 2,000 square foot roof with 10 inches of accumulation, that’s over 16 tons sitting on the roof!
- Heavy and Wet Snow: Obviously, the moisture content will change the weight of snow accumulation, but generally speaking, wet, heavy snow can weigh 20 to 30 pounds (or more) per cubic foot. Often seen when warmer air moves in (like during early spring) or when partial melting and refreezing occur, these conditions make snow far denser and much heavier than light, dry snow. With only 1 inch, adding 1 to 2 pounds per square foot, 10 to 12 inches can easily exceed 20 pounds per square foot (that’s up to 24 tons of additional weight on a 2,000 square foot roof).
Dangerous conditions often emerge when rain and warmer temperatures follow a snowstorm, soaking into the existing snowpack and dramatically increasing its weight. With temperatures dipping back into freezing overnight, ice forms, adding even more weight and stress.
For most homes in Michigan, roofs are designed to handle 20 to 50 pounds per square foot, sometimes more. When snow and ice loads exceed a home’s design limit, real problems begin.
What Happens When Snow Isn’t Removed?
After seeing the real numbers behind the weight of a snowpack, it’s easy to see how each inch can quickly add up to danger on the roof. Residential roofing contractors in Traverse City ensure homes can handle the typical seasonal loads, but with wild winters like we’ve experienced this year, accumulation can quickly lead to serious problems. Below are several serious and expensive consequences of ignoring excessive snow accumulation on the roof:
- Structural Damage: Excessive weight that causes strain on rafters and trusses will cause them to bend or crack under prolonged stress. The stress from the weight can also lead to visible dips in the roofline, cracking of ceilings, and separation of drywall inside homes, and in extreme cases, partial roof collapse.
- Ice Dams: The culprit of many winter emergencies, ice dams form when snow and ice stack up on the roof, trapping water below. This trapped water can get beneath shingles, soak into the roof decking, damage insulation, cause interior water damage, and promote mold growth, all of which is hidden below a blanket of snow. Ice dams are among the most expensive winter roofing issues for homeowners, especially along the shores of Lake Michigan.
- Gutter and Fascia Damage: The roof, gutters, and fascia are separate components that work together to keep homes protected from water and the myriad problems it can cause. Snow and ice that accumulates on the edge of the roof also adds tremendous stress to the gutters. This additional weight can cause gutters to pull away from the fascia, sections to bend and twist, and damage to the underlying fascia board that supports the entire gutter system. As we approach spring, melting will begin, and compromised gutters create a whole other set of problems.
It doesn’t matter whether snow accumulation causes minor or major problems; the aftermath always means unplanned repairs and expenses. By far, the wisest thing a homeowner can do is remove snow before these challenging situations arise. Knowing when to take action and either remove the snow yourself or hire a professional is key to the prevention of problems.
Warning Signs Your Roof Has a Dangerous Load
Before trouble strikes, your roof often has visible warning signs. If you are unsure if action is necessary, watch for these red flags:
- Strange noises coming from the attic or ceiling, such as creaking or popping. When these noises occur after a fresh snowfall or during a temperature swing, it’s time to take action.
- Whether you notice sagging from inside or outside of your home, this is a sure sign of structural strain.
- New cracks in the ceiling or water staining indicate that water has already infiltrated your roof. Cracks may also appear in the drywall near corners and the ceiling. Immediate action can prevent a partial roof collapse and save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Doors and windows that “stick” shut and are difficult to open and close.
- Ice is building up along the edges of the roof, and icicles are hanging from the gutters.
If you are currently noticing any of these signs, stop what you are doing, assess the damage, and look for the potential cause immediately. If the issue is snow load and has been caught early enough, homeowners can safely remove the snow themselves.
Safe DIY Removal Methods
When it comes to any home DIY project, safety always comes first. Icy conditions and ladder climbing can be dangerous, but for many homeowners, safely removing snow is doable with the right approach. Follow these guidelines if removing snow yourself:
- Use a roof rake designed to telescope, allowing you to stand on the ground while pulling snow off the roof.
- Start removing snow from the eaves and work upwards in sections, removing the top layer and leaving the bottom two to three inches. Leaving this buffer will prevent you from damaging shingles while raking the roof.
- Remove snow evenly from the roof to avoid any unbalanced stress.
- Steer clear of using any tools that may damage the roof, such as shovels, axes, or metal tools that could tear or puncture it.
- If large ice dams are present, use caution not to chip too aggressively at the ice, as this can cause more harm than good.
- Remove snow immediately after snowstorms. The sooner the snow is removed, the more likely it will still be dry and light, making it easier for the homeowner.
The most important part of removing snow is removing the weight that causes stress while avoiding damage to the bare roof itself. For moderate snow accumulation, DIY methods are typically effective. For heavy accumulation, larger homes with more complex roofs, or those who have ignored the snow for too long, intervention by residential roofing contractors may be necessary.
When to Call a Professional Roofing Contractor
Some situations are too difficult or too risky for the homeowner to handle. If snow depth has become significant, ice dams are present, or the warning signs of structural damage are present, it’s time to contact a qualified roofing contractor. Below are the following reasons that residential roofing contractors in Traverse City are better equipped to deal with these more severe issues:
- They are professionally trained, licensed, and insured to repair, replace, and remediate any roofing issues homeowners may face.
- They have the proper safety equipment and training to perform the job.
- Professional roofers understand how to safely remove snow and ice without causing further damage to the roof and the home.
- Residential roofing contractors can assess and resolve any structural damage caused by snow and ice buildup.
- They can also identify any underlying ventilation or insulation issues in the attic that may be contributing to troublesome ice dam formation.
In winters with heavy snow, like this last one, many locals turn to professionals to avoid injury and maintain comfort and safety indoors while letting the pros tend to the issues outdoors. In a situation where extreme accumulation has led to noticeable sagging, professional intervention is essential for complete resolution.
Staying Ahead of the Weight
This winter has been a good reminder that while fresh snow looks great from the street, it doesn’t look good from the roof’s perspective. Most roofs are built to handle a typical winter load, but they do have weight limits. The key to keeping your home protected from damage and costly repairs is understanding the difference in snow weights, especially when it’s combined with rain, and the potential risks of leaving snow unchecked. By staying vigilant and watching for warning signs, homeowners can prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs. Although a roof covered in snow and icicles may seem like the classic winter scene, too much buildup can quietly strain the roof and the structure below. Keeping an eye on snow levels and clearing it when needed can go a long way in protecting your home. If you are unsure about the weight on your roof, not knowing if it’s safe or too much, reaching out to a local residential roofing contractor who understands Michigan’s winters can take the pressure off both you and your roof!