Any Omaha resident can tell you that Nebraska is very familiar with bitter cold temperatures and impressive snowfall. Just like Nebraskans, Omaha roofs can take quite a bit of snow without issues, but it can also pose a substantial threat to your roof’s general condition if the conditions are abnormal for Omaha. Typically, when it snows, we don’t give much thought to the roof, expecting that the snow will simply melt away. Nevertheless, snow can be rather dense, and the denser it is, the more likely it is to do considerable damage.
Is Your Roof Insulated Adequately?
In most regions, the snow load is less of a concern if the roof is relatively recent, well-insulated, and in good condition. If, on the other hand, your roof is older, has a few missing shingles, or is not insulated at all, you may be at risk for a catastrophic collapse of the structure.
How do you make decisions? Before the snow begins to fall this winter, it may be time to consider your roof.
What does the term snow load mean?
Snow load is a word commonly used when discussing roofing structures. It is the downward strain exerted on the roof by the accumulation of snow and ice. The greater the snow load, the heavier the roof must bear. If the snow weight is excessive, the structure may fail entirely, forcing the roof to fall from within. Occasionally, the snow load is less than anticipated, especially if the structure is improperly constructed or there are worries about the roofing materials.
Another significant threat is blowing snow. As snow blows around, it forms drifts, regions where the snow burden in one place may be significantly more than in others. This causes an imbalanced weight, which increases the danger of damage to the roof.
Determining how much snowfall is excessive
Even if you enjoy the sight of snow outside your window on a cold winter day, there are occasions when you should consider removing it off your roof. It is never prudent or safe to remove snow from your roof by yourself, especially without the proper tools.
To identify what is happening, it is necessary to examine the snow itself. After all, not all snow is the same.
Moisture content of the snow on your roof
Certain snowflakes are drier and lighter than others. If the snow is saturated with moisture, it will be significantly heavier than lighter snow. The range of moisture content is between 5 and 32%. In this circumstance, one cubic foot of soft, light snow could weigh approximately three pounds. Wet snow can weigh up to 21 pounds, however.
How much snow is on your roof?
How much snow is on the roof is another element that influences snow load. This is an estimate of the total amount of snow on the roof, including snow from the previous week that has yet to melt. The probability of a problem increasing increases as more inches are added to it.
Snowfall distribution on your roof
Another aspect is the location of snow on the roof. Is it uniform and even from front to back? There is a significant chance that some regions are deeper than others, such as flatter portions of the roof as opposed to the peaks. Again, this is frequently caused by the wind blowing snow into various regions, such as the dormers and roof valleys.
Should You leave the snow on your roof alone?
There are several factors to consider about snow load and your roof in general.
Get a roof inspection
Prior to the onset of winter, if there are any doubts about the roof’s stability, you must do a thorough roof check. Even though it is the middle of winter, a roof check may be necessary to ensure the safety of your home.
Make reinforcements to the roof
If there is significant damage to the roof or the structure beneath it, repair those areas. Even little leaks can compromise the roof’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of its collapse. Do not put off necessary repairs, as they will worsen with time. If there is not enough time for a complete repair or replacement right now, your roofing contractor may be able to take measures to strengthen up the roof to minimize dangers until the repairs can be completed.
Snow removal from the roof
If you now have a lot of snow on your roof, do not put yourself in danger. If there is snow on your roof, you should never use a ladder to access your gutters or climb on the roof. Even if you believe it would be best to shovel it away, doing so is extremely dangerous.
You may be able to have a roofing contractor or another professional remove the snow off your home. If you have a large amount of snow on your roof and more is expected, this may be necessary.
Alternatively, you might use a snow rake, a rake made expressly for this task. It can assist you in encouraging snow to slide off the side of your home, allowing you to remain on the ground and out of harm’s way. If you do this, ensure your safety by following the manufacturer’s instructions, and never use it while on a ladder.
Snow can be a significant issue for a large number of property owners. Nonetheless, if you take a few minutes now to ensure that your roof is in good shape, you will likely be able to reduce the risk to your home during winter.
