We quite often get calls after snowstorms from people who think their new eavestroughs are leaking. However, it’s almost invariably the accumulated snow over the gutter that is gradually melting. With winter on its way we decided to return to the familiar topic of snowdrifts, and the problems they may cause.
Too Much Snow on Your Roof Becomes a Hazard
The last thing we may feel like doing is clearing snow off the roof when it is freezing cold. Although we could be advised to do so, if we want to avoid problems down the line. We discuss several reasons why we might encourage this, courtesy of KTOO news service.
Two Reasons to Manage Snow Drifts on Your Roof
Snow drifts form on lower roof areas in the wind shadow of higher elevations. This accumulation creates an unbalanced load on the timbers. It can also stack up over weak points, and filter through to spaces below. Therefore they are not something to encourage or ignore.
TOO MUCH SNOW ON A ROOF CAN BE DANGEROUS
The weight of accumulated snow can draw the drifts downwards over the eavestroughs, causing them to collapse. But if they don’t, then eventually the snow could give way to gravity, and tumble down on its own.
Whichever the way, the weight can be sufficiently great to harm a person standing below, especially a vulnerable child or family pet. Apparent gutter leaks can be a warning sign that all is not good up there, and action is called for.
TOO MUCH SNOW ON A ROOF CAN COLLAPSE IT
KTOO news service advises a snow drift on the ground can weigh as much as 57 pounds per square foot. The average roof area of a home in North America could be around 1,700 square feet. This provides a sobering reminder how much a roof drift could weigh.
The additional weight on the timbers and trusses could quite conceivably cause the structure to collapse, especially if the load is uneven and upsets the balance. The risk would be greater with a flat roof, or an inferior building.
Arrange a Roof Inspection Before You Blame Your Gutters
Water dropping from gutters merits an inspection, before it gets worse and starts penetrating soffits and timbers. If you can’t climb up a ladder to inspect the situation, then you might like to give Valiant Exteriors a call. We’ll advise whether you have an eavestrough or a snowdrift issue, and what to do next.
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