Storm Damage in Richfield MN | How much Snow can a Roof Hold?
How much Snow can a Roof Hold?
A roof that sags under heavy snow is dangerous, but it doesn’t have to get to that point. The snow load on a roof depends on the size and shape of the structure, as well as the type and weight of snow. For example, a flat roof holds a lot less weight in snow that an angled roof. Find out more about Storm Damage in Richfield MN today by reading Capstone Bros.’s article below.
Do you have a flat or low-sloped roof? Storm Damage in Richfield MN
How much snow can a roof hold depends on the pitch of your roof and the weight of the snow. When a flat room encounters heavy snow, it accumulates atop the surface, and can even lead to leaking issues when the snow melts. The average weight of a cubic foot of snow is about 20 pounds. So, when you have a flat roof that’s 10 feet by 15 feet and it’s covered in snow, you can expect to see an additional 3,000 pounds atop the surface!
What about a pitched roof? A pitched roof has more surface area than a flat one, which means it can hold more weight in snow. In addition, pitched roofs have the benefit of directing melt water away from the roof itself and preventing leaking. Leaking snow water can cause issues like mold and mildew in your future. These are not only be costly to fix, but can cause health issues for you and your family.
Does weight in the attic influence snow load?
The short answer is yes. If you have a home with an attic, the weight of the snow will be split between two areas. The attic will carry some of that load, but not all of it. The more weight you have in the attic, the less snow will be on your roof. If there’s no attic, then all of that weight is resting on top of your home.
Structural integrity of the home Storm Damage in Richfield MN
In a perfect world, your home would be brand new and have no wear-and-tear on any of its structural elements. But in reality, that’s not the case. Over time, homes go through several phases of their life cycle. They’re built, they begin to age and then they reach a point when they need to be repaired or replaced. When a home reaches this point, it’s much more likely to have structural issues that could be detrimental to your safety. A professional roofer will be able to identify these issues and let you know if they can be repaired or should lead you in another direction.
How much weight the structure can support when everything is in good shape
It’s important to find out just how much your home can support when everything is in ideal shape. To do this, reach out to a local roofing contractor for a free inspection. While they analyze your roof, they can also assess the condition of other aspects of your home to make sure you’re winter-ready. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, you’ll need to replace it soon. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be—and the riskier for your safety and property.
Is your attic insulated well? Storm Damage in Richfield MN
As weird as it may seem, the insulation of your attic can affect how much snow your roof can hold. It’s important to make sure that your attic is insulated well. If you don’t have enough insulation in your attic, the cold air can pass through it and cause problems. The best way to check this is by looking at the underside of your roof. If the felt paper that covers it is brown or black with mold, then you know your insulation needs an update. A well-insulated attic keeps your home warm, and helps snow on your roof melt away faster, preparing it for the next snowfall.
Type of roofing materials that have been used
The type of roofing material that has been used can also affect how much snow your roof can hold. If you have a metal or asphalt shingled roof, it may be more prone to leaks than other types of roofs. You will need to make sure that these types of roofs are well maintained so that they don’t become damaged during a storm.
It is estimated that around 60% of roof damage is caused by snow and ice. When a roof collapses under the weight of snow, there is usually some warning like cracking noises or bulging edges. But what makes roof collapse more dangerous than most other problems is that it can occur in an instant, with no warning at all. To prevent any surprises from your home this winter, contact a trusted roofing contractor today.
If you are in need of a new roof, new windows, or other home repair services, we hope this has been helpful. Be it a heavy storm, wind damage from the leaves that have collected throughout the year, broken window screens from the kids and their games, or just old age that has taken its toll on your house, our professional team at Capstone Bros. will be there to help. At Capstone Bros., we’d be happy to keep your home safe with our Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Storm Damage services.