The last thing you want is for your roof to accumulate so much snow and ice that it collapses – but unfortunately, that happens to people all over Michigan each winter. Our heavy snowfalls, coupled with a few warm days that cause snow to melt and refreeze, can be too much for even a well-built roof to weather. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent your roof from collapsing from snow, which this guide explains.
5 Ways to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow
Check out these five ways you can prevent your roof from collapsing from snow:
- Have your roof inspected or watch for signs of damage yourself
- Insulate your attic properly
- Keep your gutters clean
- Prevent ice dams
- Trim low-hanging branches on trees
Tip #1 to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow: Have your roof inspected or watch for signs of damage yourself
You should have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. Most roofing companies offer a free annual roof inspection, which can give you a good idea of what condition your roof is in. You’ll get a heads-up on what needs to be repaired – and remember, you can (and should) get quotes from multiple roof repair companies if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on fixes.
Related: How to prepare for a Michigan snowstorm
Tip #2 to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow: Insulate your attic properly
Your attic needs to be properly insulated and vented. The insulation helps keep air temperatures close to outdoor air temperatures, which is what’s best for your roof. That can help prevent ice dams from forming (those occur when snow melts on the roof and re-freezes near the edge, where it forms a dam that captures more and more water).
Tip #3 to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow: Keep your gutters clean
Gutters that are full of leaves and debris don’t allow melted snow to run off where it needs to (which is away from your foundation). Worse, when those leaves and debris get wet, they freeze – and that can cause severe damage to your gutters. Make sure your gutters are clean heading into winter, and check them periodically throughout the season to make sure there aren’t leaves, pine needles and other debris that could block them.
Related: Snow and ice preparedness in Michigan
Tip #4 to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow: Prevent ice dams
Preventing ice dams is very important; ice is heavy, and the thicker it is, the longer it takes to melt away. If you can, remove snow from your roof between snowfalls; if you can’t, the least you need to do is ensure that your attic is properly vented so ice dams won’t form in the first place.
Tip #5 to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow: Trim low-hanging branches on trees
Low-hanging branches on trees can crack under the weight of ice and snow, and they’ll fall directly on your roof. Trim them well in advance of winter to give your roof a fighting chance.
Related: 5 tips for making it through a winter storm safely
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