5 Easy Tricks to Avoid Roof Collapse

There’s no doubt about it: Jonas hit us hard last weekend. Schools and offices were closed, and Maryland was in a state of emergency for days. Snow crews have worked tirelessly to plow roads and parking areas while homeowners have shoveled out cars and freed sidewalks from the clutches of snow and ice.

We hope you took the proper winter precautions before the storm. However, if you have found a problem, we bet it’s most likely your roof. This is because heavy snow, strong winds and unprepared roofs do not mix well, but don’t worry. You’re not alone. Most roofs are built to withstand a one-foot snowfall , but when Jonas dropped more than 2 and a half feet… Well, you can calculate the odds.

To help you prevent a roof collapse and prepare you for the next big storm, here’s Warner Service’s take on how to battle heavy snow:

Consider all of the factors. Before the storm hits, you should know what your roof is capable of withstanding. Though it should be built to Maryland’s standard, there’s no guarantee. Consider the weight of the potential snow (at its maximum estimation), the strength of your roof’s trusses and rafters, the slope of your roof, any HVAC systems, sun exposure and other factors. To calculate the pressure, use a handy calculator like this. Once you know how much snow your roof is capable of holding, you can adjust accordingly.
Shovel or rake the snow off. Whether you shovel it off before the weather is too much or right after the snowstorm ends, homeowners should shovel or rake the snow off of their roof. Remember that the roof has no absolute guaranteed stability, and the weather will change without notice. For example, your roof may be able to hold 20 pounds per foot of powdery snow. That’s great, but if the temperatures drop, it’ll become solid ice or heavy, wet snow. Can your roof withstand all of that pressure?
Don’t use heat-powered sources. Using tools like hair dryers, heat guns or other open-flame devices is a bad idea. First of all, it’s extremely dangerous. Secondly, it can lead to severe leaking from possible cracks in your roof.
Keep the gutters and drains clean. If the whole roof isn’t your priority at the moment, that’s OK. Just make sure you keep the gutters and drains free of ice and snow . This will help everything flow freely when it begins to melt. Homeowners can perform this task using a simple broomstick, but watch out for icicles . It’s best to wear goggles and protective headgear when doing this to avoid accidents.
Call a professional for assistance. If you notice any of these warning signs on your roof before, during or after a snowstorm, call a professional for help:
- Doors and/or windows that cannot be opened or closed
- Doors that pop open on their own
- Cracked or split wood members and other deformities in the roofing structure
- Creaking, popping or cracking sounds coming from the roof
- Cracks in interior walls and/or exterior masonry
- Bends or ripples in the roof supports
- Bent or missing framing screws, utility pipes or conduits that are attached at the ceiling
- Sagging ceiling
- Roof leaks into the interior of the home

Taking care of your roof before a snowstorm is as easy as calculating its pressure capabilities online. Once the storm has passed, rake or shovel the snow off the roof and drains, but do not use a heat-powered source . (It can make things worse.) If this job just isn’t for you, contact Warner Service today. We’ll be happy to help.

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5 Easy Tricks to Avoid Roof Collapse