Understanding the Impact of Snow and Ice on Your Roof

## How Winter Weather Affects Your Roof New York winters are tough on roofs. Understanding how snow and ice impact your home helps you prevent damage and know when to call for help. ### The Weight of Snow Snow is heavier than most homeowners realize: - **Fresh snow**: 3-5 pounds per square foot - **Packed snow**: 10-20 pounds per square foot - **Ice**: 57 pounds per cubic foot A typical roof can safely hold 20-25 pounds per square foot, but multiple heavy snowstorms can exceed this limit. **Warning signs of excessive weight**: - Doors or windows that suddenly stick - New cracks in walls or ceilings - Visible sagging in the roof - Creaking or popping sounds If you notice these signs, call a professional immediately to assess the situation. ### Ice Dams: A Common Winter Problem Ice dams form when: 1. Heat escapes from your attic 2. It melts snow on the roof above 3. Meltwater runs down to the cold eaves 4. Water refreezes at the edge, forming a dam 5. More water backs up behind the dam This backed-up water can seep under shingles, causing: - Damaged shingles and roof deck - Soaked insulation - Water stains on ceilings and walls - Mold and mildew growth ### Preventing Ice Dams The best prevention focuses on proper attic insulation and ventilation: **Insulation**: - Ensure adequate R-value for your climate zone - Seal air leaks around light fixtures, pipes, and ductwork - Add insulation at the attic floor **Ventilation**: - Install proper soffit vents for intake - Ensure ridge or roof vents for exhaust - Keep attic temperature close to outdoor temperature ### The Freeze-Thaw Cycle In New York, temperatures often swing above and below freezing. This causes: - **Expansion and contraction** of roofing materials - **Cracking** in flashing and caulk - **Loosening** of shingles - **Water infiltration** as ice melts and refreezes Regular inspections help catch damage before it becomes serious. ### Gutter Problems in Winter Ice and snow cause significant gutter issues: - **Ice-filled gutters** can pull away from the fascia - **Heavy ice** can crack or crush gutters - **Debris buildup** traps water that freezes Before winter, ensure gutters are clean and properly secured. Gutter guards can help prevent debris buildup. ### Safe Snow Removal If snow removal is necessary: - **Use a roof rake** from the ground—never climb on an icy roof - **Remove only the first 3-4 feet** from the eaves - **Leave a thin layer** to avoid scraping shingles - **Never use salt or chemicals** that can damage roofing materials When in doubt, call professionals for safe snow removal. ### Post-Winter Inspection After winter, schedule an inspection to check for: - Damaged or missing shingles - Compromised flashing - Gutter damage - Signs of water intrusion in the attic - Ventilation system integrity Early spring is the perfect time for repairs before heavy spring rains. ## Need a Winter Damage Assessment? At Lucky Stars Roofing, we've helped Queens and Long Island homeowners weather over 65 winters. Contact us for a post-winter inspection and ensure your roof is ready for the year ahead.