Winter is a season that tests the durability of practically everything— from your vehicle to your roof’s structure. When winter weather brings snow, hail, and strong winds to your door, even well-built homes may need some minor repairs. For this reason, it’s important to be on the lookout for any snow damage and to know what your home can handle. Here’s what to do when forecast call for heavy snow.
Take Down Holiday Decorations
Though we are well into January, there are many people that still have holiday decorations up. However, if the forecast calls for inches of snow, this can damage your favorite holiday decorations especially if they’re on the roof. Freezing rain and hail can also weigh down your icicle lights and puncture your inflatable snowmen. The best thing to do, is to get these treasured possessions off your roof before the bad weather comes.
Snow Load, Explained
Every roof has a certain amount of strength called a snow load. This is the amount of downward force it can withstand before the weight of accumulated snow and ice bring your roof down. Now thankfully, it will take quite a lot to bring a well-built roof down, but problems like poorly insulated attics can create disproportionate loads through ice dams.
To avoid this problem, get a regular roofing inspection to make sure that your insulation and ventilation system is in good shape, and to verify that all your shingles and roofing infrastructure are intact. Snow load failure is more common in poorly built structures like sheds made with low-quality materials or with older homes that have worn down roofing components.
Do I need to Remove The Snow?
For the most part, we don’t get enough snow in Virginia to necessitate snow removal from a properly built home. If there ends up being a wild snowstorm like the one we experienced around 2009, then you can carefully use a snow rake and remove snow in narrow strips. Be sure to wipe off the snow evenly so that the load is equal around the roof. Make sure you have all the equipment necessary to do this job safely. Also, be careful to not damage your shingles or gutters with this tool.
What if my Roof Fails Due to Snow Loads?
It doesn’t hurt to check with your property insurance provider to see if your policy covers building failure due to snow loads. Confirm that your policy will pay for roofing replacement costs so that you have the funds to put your home back together without straining your finances unexpectedly. This is also a good time to cover any barns or outbuildings that contain valuables. If you notice any damaged roofing components after the snow has melted, then you know who to call (us!) for speedy repairs.
Trust Your Roof Replacement to Noble Roofing
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new roof is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville, VA and surrounding cities. Give us a call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.Recently experience a bad Storm Damage? Sometimes a Roof Repair is all you need!