The Importance of Roof Snow Removal for Winter Home Protection
Winter is a wonderful season – there’s no denying that – but for the owner of a house, it comes with its own set of problems. And one of the most neglected yet important issues is keeping your roof free of the accumulation of snow and ice. Although some may think that snowfall is nothing to worry about, a huge amount of snow could do irreparable damage to your home. Therefore, roof snow removal is something that shouldn’t be left to chance; it should be taken seriously.
At Greenlee Roofing, we have witnessed time and again how problematic the problem of snow can be if not taken care of at the right time. We work in Central Oregon, servicing cities such as Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Madras, Prineville, Sisters, and La Pine.
Why Snow Accumulation Is a Serious Problem
Though snow may seem light and fluffy, a mere one cubic foot of wet snow can weigh anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds. Now imagine all of that weight on your roof – the resulting pressure can be quite damaging.
The following are some structural dangers posed by an overload of snow:
Decking deformation - Weight causes the boards on which your shingles rest to warp.
Fractured rafter structures – The supporting structure of your roof breaks down due to too much pressure.
Roof collapse – In some situations, parts of your roof could actually collapse under the weight of the snow.
Damaged shingles – Ice can cause cracks on the surface of your shingles.
Aside from damaging the structure itself, accumulated snow causes the following:
Ice dams – Heat from the roof melts the snow along the ridgeline, and then the resulting water freezes when it reaches the eaves where temperatures are low, preventing water runoff and allowing it to seep under shingles.
Gutter separation – The sheer weight of the ice and snow is enough to pull gutters away from the fascia boards.
Infiltration – Moisture trapped by the ice dams works its way into the underlayment, leading to mold, decay, and degradation.
Leaks – Once again, because of ice dams, water is forced inside through ceilings and walls.
A Little Snow Isn't Always Bad — Balance Is Key
Here's a bit of information that many homeowners aren't aware of—snow can serve as a natural insulator, preserving heat and lowering heating expenses. But that doesn't mean all snow needs to be removed immediately.
Removal should be considered under the following circumstances:
More than a few inches of snow have accumulated, particularly wet snow.
Ice formation on the edges of your roof or in your gutters
Snow hasn't melted after several days of sitting.
You're hearing unusual noises or noticing any sagging in your roofline.
You experience an unusual drop in temperature in areas of your home close to the outside walls.
When these conditions are met, it means you shouldn't wait for the situation to turn against you before calling a roofing specialist for help. At Greenlee Roofing, we recommend keeping an eye out for these conditions after each significant snowfall.
The Hidden Danger: Ice Dams
Among the many winter-related roofing troubles that may be encountered by Oregon residents is none other than the infamous ice dam. An ice dam develops through the following continuous process:
The interior warmth of the house moves upward and warms the roof.
Snow melts from the upper part of the roof
Since no heat is present beneath the eaves, the melted snow freezes again.
Ice builds up and blocks the drainage of the accumulated melted snow.
Water, trapped with no place else to go, finds its way underneath your roof shingles.
Here are some ways to prevent ice dams:
Clean gutters before winter sets in—clogged gutters will result in pooling and quick freezing of water on the roof edges.
Have proper insulation in the attic—less loss of heat ensures that snow doesn’t melt irregularly on the roof.
Provide adequate ventilation for the attic—this will ensure that the roof is cool and even.
Shovel snow immediately after a storm—less snow on the roof means less melting.
Don't Risk It — Let Professionals Handle It
While homeowners may be inclined to grab a ladder and attempt snow removal on their own, the task, especially during the presence of ice, is truly dangerous.
Hazards of self-roof snow removal include the following:
Slippery/icy surfaces increasing the risk of injury by falling
Unexpectedly heavy snow load causing sudden movement
Improper equipment, such as a metal rake/shovel, removing protective shingle granules or damaging roofing membranes
Overzealous use of force to remove ice, causing cracking and stripping away flashing
Inconsistent snow removal, creating an imbalance of roof loads
Let our team of trained specialists handle your roof snow removal safely and with expert care.
Our snow removal services cover:
Roofs (residential and commercial)
Year-Round Roof Care Is the Real Protection Strategy
Good winterization does not begin when the snow begins to fall; instead, it begins much sooner. Getting your roof examined before the winter is perhaps the best money you can spend as a homeowner.
Pre-winter roof inspection typically includes the following:
Examination of cracks, curling, and missing shingles
Examination of chimney flashings, vent flashings, and skylight flashings
Assessment of attic insulation levels and proper attic ventilation
Cleaning of gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
Examination for soft spots and structural issues in the roof deck
It takes an entire year to maintain your roof, and postponing necessary repairs will only lead to further deterioration through spring. At Greenlee Roofing, we are prepared to perform assessments, repairs, and winterization on your roof at any time during the year.
Your house does not need to live through winter under the weight of uncertainty, regardless of the amount of snow that may fall on it during that period. The combination of the proper information, positive attitude, and reliable roofing experts will ensure that your property is safe and protected from all kinds of threats associated with heavy snowfall.
At Greenlee Roofing, you can find the highest level of professionalism and decades of experience in Central Oregon. Do not hesitate to contact us in case you are interested in protecting your roof and the overall safety of your home during winter.