Don’t wait for the first flakes of snow to fall to start preparing for winter. With a few pieces of key equipment in your home and some planning, you can handle even the biggest blizzards without panic or fear. However, never be afraid to shut your home up tightly and evacuate if there is any question that you’ll lose power or heat during the storm and have to travel over unsafe roads.
Knowing How Much Snow Your Roof Can Handle
Knowing how much snow your roof can handle is crucial for avoiding roof damage or collapse during heavy winter storms. The weight of the snow on your roof depends on the type of snow and ice. Most homes can hold about 20 pounds per square foot, but older homes may be at higher risk if they haven't been maintained for snow load capacity.
New Snow: Fresh, fluffy snow is lighter, typically weighing about 3-5 pounds per square foot. However, the snow can accumulate quickly and become compacted if it continues to fall or melt slightly and refreeze.
Old Snow: Older snow becomes denser over time, weighing about 15-20 pounds per square foot as it compacts. The longer snow sits on your roof, the more strain it places on the structure.
Ice: Ice is the heaviest of all, with a cubic foot weighing around 50-60 pounds. Ice dams that form at the edges of the roof can trap additional snow and water, creating a dangerous situation. Large icicles can also signal that your roof isn’t shedding water properly.
Regularly clearing your roof of snow, especially after multiple storms or when there’s ice buildup, can help protect your home from structural damage. If you think your roof may be in danger during a winter storm, DO NOT use a ladder and remove the snow from your roof. You should instead use a snow rake from the ground or consult a roofing professional to ensure safety.