Snow-covered roofs may be the perfect picture to capture and a rare sight in Houston areas such as Texas City, but fallen snow, along with snow melting added with refreezing, can cause immense stress on the roof of any building.
It is crucial to keep in mind that every roof has been constructed with a maximum load limit, and warm weathered roofs may take into account the lack of heavy snowfall in order to focus on other qualities of your roof. A roof collapse could result from any changes to the weight your roof supports, and if you are experiencing a roof emergency, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofing company like WABO Roofing.
When the roof is put under excessive stress, it can lead to increased building damage, cause roof avalanches, leaks, and even serious injury to the building’s inhabitants. Therefore, it is significant that the ice and snow be removed from the roof of your building.
Some Impacts of Snow and Ice on a Roof
Snow and ice should be immediately removed from the roof as they can cause a lot of damage to the building. Some of these damages include:
Leaks
Rain is not the only thing that will cause your roof to leak. Snow is one of the major culprits that causes leaks in the roof. Excess water from melting snow on your roof may pass through the vulnerable areas and seep into your ceiling and walls. It will get under your shingles and smaller spaces on the roof and make its way into your building. Not only does water enter your home, but the moisture that comes with it will foster the growth of mold and mildew. This water can also harm the insulation of your home.
Excessive Stress
Packed snow can be very heavy and weigh up to 30 pounds per square foot. If the snow remains on your roof for days, it will cause a great deal of stress on the roof. During winter, the snow doesn’t melt away quickly, and it could be weeks before the snow can melt away. The heavy weight of the snow will damage your roof. The roof and gutters may develop cracks and breaks as a result of this increased pressure. In areas where your roof is vulnerable, the weight of the snow may damage your rafters and roof decking. The roof may also cave in.
Ice Dams
Inadequate insulation allows warm air from the interior of the home to seep into the attic and melt the snow from the roof. The melted snow then refreezes at the colder eaves, and an ice dam is created. An ice dam can retain extra water on your roof, which may gradually lead to leaks if snow and water are unable to move over it. Additionally, the water may repeatedly freeze, thaw, and damage the gutters or even cause sections to completely separate from your roof. To prevent ice dams, you must ensure your insulation is not faulty:
- Use ridge, gable, and soffit vents to increase attic ventilation and assist in moving air about the attic to maintain a constant temperature.
- Check your insulation to make sure it’s not obstructing the vents.
- Ensure all the ducts in the attic are sealed and well-insulated and that any exhaust fans point outside rather than into the attic to stop heat from escaping.
- You must consult a professional like WABO Roofing if the insulation needs to be increased or vents must be installed.
Professional Removal of Snow and Ice from Roof
Removing snow from the roof may look like an easy task, but it is a difficult job, and when handled unprofessionally, it may be a safety risk for you and your home. Even in sunny weather, walking on the roof because of the ice may cause you to slip and hurt yourself. Furthermore, when using the shovel, you could damage the asphalt granules that protect the roof. Therefore, it is best that you call a professional company like WABO Roofing to take care of the snow removal from your roof. Here are some ways that we use to remove snow from roofs:
Snow Removal Tools
Professional snow removing techniques from the roof include using a range of specialized gear such as:
- Snow shovels
- Roof rakes
- Snow blowers
- Ice picks or Ice choppers
- Squeegees
- Telescoping snow brushes
- Snow melt systems
- Snow cleats/roof snow guards
- Snow rippers
These snow removal tools are employed to get rid of snow from your roof. Our team has received professional training and has the expertise to use these tools effectively.
De-icing Agents
Professional snow removal techniques also include using de-icing agents to remove the snow. Compounds such as calcium chloride (cacl2) and magnesium chloride are applied in a certain way to initiate controlled melting of the snow on your roof and break them down in ice formations. Besides melting, these compounds also form a layer of protection that prevents thwarting ice reformation and provides a stable layer of defence against cold temperatures. It is important to use good de-icing agents as they should be compatible with the roof materials. It should also not pose danger to the environment and the natural surroundings of the area.
Heated Roof Systems
For roofs, heated roof systems offer a creative alternative when it comes to managing cold weather. These advanced systems use heated cables or panels that are carefully positioned on rooftops to provide a preventative measure against the difficulties caused by ice and snow build-up. When these devices are triggered, they start a regulated melting process that effectively melts snow and ice formations. Heated roof systems reduce structural stress and provide protection from potential damage by reducing the accumulation of excessive loads on the roof. In addition, as ice dams are a regular problem in cold temperatures, these devices play a crucial role in preventing their formation.
Steam and Hot Water Pressure Washing
Professionals also use hot water pressure or steam to melt and remove ice from the roof. Special tools and equipment are utilized to make sure that the roof is not damaged.
