How Much Snow Can a Roof Support?

how much snow can your roof hold?

Do you know how much snow your roof can hold?

Is your roof ready for winter storms? Generally, shingles should be replaced every year. Replacing your shingles helps to keep moisture from entering your home and doing extensive damage. Check out this blog on how to tell if you need your shingles replaced.

Aside from your shingles, do you know if your roof is strong enough to withstand a winter storm? How much snow can your roof even hold? Let’s figure it out together.

How Much Snow is Too Much?

Generally, most residential roofs should be able to support 20 lbs of snow per square foot of roof. This comes out to about 4 feet of snow. Ice or compressed snow is another story, though. Your roof can only hold 2 feet of packed snow and 4 inches of ice. Luckily, in our climate, snow tends to begin melting soon after it accumulates. However, if we have a big snowstorm this winter, you may want to keep an eye on your roof.

What to Do About Heavy Snow Loads

If you’re worried that your roof may not be able to withstand a snowstorm this winter, it may be worth investing in a new roof. Especially if your roof is older than 20 years, you may want to invest in new roofing before winter officially hits.

If you do find yourself stuck in a snowstorm with snow piling up on your roof, there are a few things you can do to ease the strain on the roof. After the snowstorm is over, you can go outside and use a snow rake with a long extension arm to remove snow from your roof while standing on the ground. Another option is to hire a professional snow removal contractor to come to your home and remove the snow from your roof.

Replacement Windows from Capital Remodeling, Inc.

We have over 20 years of experience in the field, an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and thousands of satisfied homeowners to show for it. Be sure to see what people are saying about their home improvement projects!

Look out for Capital Remodeling on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest to stay tuned in to all of the latest in home remodeling and design. If you are getting ready to begin your very own home improvement project, get in touch with us today at 1.800.310.7154 or fill out our quick and easy contact form! Capital Remodeling has offices in Hanover, Gaithersburg, Fairfax, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Roswell. Begin building your dream home today!

Tags: , , , ,