So how does a build up of snow affect your Colorado roof? We are learning that more snow is on the way, an accumulation starting early this season. Denver 7 predicts more, and says, “A check of the totals so far for the 2022-2023 snowfall season shows a cumulative total of 25.2 inches at Denver International Airport. Before this next storm system, 1.3 inches have fallen in Denver in January.”
Meanwhile, News9 reports that this snowfall is taking a long time to melt, “In Denver, this is the longest that more than 2 inches of snow has stayed in 11 years.”
“Denver is famous for its sunny rebounds after big snow events, but that just hasn’t happened this season. The lack of sunshine has obviously prevented snow melt, but it has also allowed the snow to pack down and solidify.”
So, how does this continual accumulation of snow affect the roof of your home?
How Much Snow is Too Much?
Bob Vila answers the question of just how much snow on a roof is too much before it causes damage.“Wet snow can be nearly three times heavier than dry, fluffy snow. So, while a cubic foot of fresh powder might weigh in at 7 pounds, that same amount of wet, packed snow could be more like 20 pounds.”
“Some experts maintain that it’s unnecessary to remove snow from the roof, because any home built to the standards of the local building codes should be structurally equipped to handle virtually any snow load. Still, many homeowners wish to take every available precautionary step and shovel snow off of the roofline before it piles up.”
Taking some snow off the roof in areas where it piles up on the roof will help prevent ice dams, “where blocks of ice occur when the warm air inside an attic transfers through the roof and melts the layer of snow, which runs to the edge of the roof and refreezes in the gutters and at the eaves.”
In Denver, many homes do not receive massive accumulations on the roof, and most homes can carry the load, but its best to be safe and aware of possibilities. High snow accumulation effects are felt mostly along the front range, in the high country. Pitched roofs are favored to shed most of the snowfall. It is also super important to have the gutters cleaned before the snow starts to fall so there is adequate drainage when the snow melts.
In one of our past posts we discussed how, “Keeping drainage opened to prevent clogs is paramount in preserving the integrity of the entire system.”
Snow On The Colorado Roof
Rest assured, a little snow will not hurt your roof. It is designed to hold a decent weight of snow accumulation, but in consideration we get approximately 60 inches of snow each year you want to be sure not to exceed a weight limit.
Attic ventilation is important to prevent heat build up especially if living in colder climates like Colorado. CSU Extension has published a printable insulation fact sheet with recommendations determining your insulation levels that will prevent snow damage, or any other damage to Colorado homes. This is a concise fact sheet that any homeowner can access to be sure he is protected from roof collapse or damage.
Remember, at Priority Restoration, your satisfaction is our priority for all commercial and residential services and we are here to help you in any snow related event.