Winter can be a beautiful season but heavy snowfall can wreak on your roofing systems. It can also cause damage to the surface. For that, you should know how to prevent roof damage during extreme snowfall in NY.
To prevent roof damage during extreme snowfall in NY, you’ll need to do a few things. Like, you can check the depth of snow, try removal tricks, apply deicing items, strengthen the structures, add heating cables, and hire an expert.
In this blog post, we’ll show exactly how you can get rid of roof damage during heavy snowfall to protect the surface. Let’s find out!
Preventing Roof Damage During Extreme Snowfall in 6 Steps!
To help you safeguard your roof against snow and ice damage, here are the right ways how you can stop roof harm during extreme snowfall:
Step 1: Check the Snow Depths on the Roof
Firstly, you’ll need to monitor the snow buildup on your roof. It’s also best to start removing snow before it reaches 50% of the maximum safe depth. At this point, the snow could become too heavy. This also makes it unsafe for anyone to access the roof.
And, it’s pretty common that snow can drift on roofs and make uneven accumulations. To stop that, you’ll need to pay special attention to these factors:
- Roof valleys.
- Low roof areas next to taller structures.
- Pitched roofs that are downwind sides and areas near parapets.
Being vigilant about these spots, you can gauge how much snow is on your roof and when to act to get rid of them.
Step 2: Try Out Safe Snow Removal Techniques
Before taking out the wet snow or ice from the roof, you can apply some removal techniques to prevent the hard shells. Here are some effective methods:
- Stand on the Ground: Use tools like a roof rake to pull snow down without climbing onto the roof. Then, you can stand to the side to avoid heavy and wet snow falling on you.
- Watch for Falling Icicles: Always stay alert for ice that might fall while you’re working.
- Consider a Snow Removal Robot: For a high-tech solution, you can try out the automated robots. They can also travel across your roof and remove snow or ice without you needing to climb a ladder.
Step 3: Apply Deicing Products on the Roof
While it’s vital to keep your roof clear, you don’t need to remove every last bit of wet snow or ice. Plus, leaving a thin layer of de-icing items can actually protect your roof from potential damage. Here are some things that you can keep in mind to get rid of snow on the roof:
- You can use de-icing products but it’s good to be careful. Plus, try to use the right amount of them on the roof using some tools if you can’t reach spots.
- Be sure to follow the instructions and cover your hands with gloves or wear a mask.
- Clean the snow evenly across the roof to avoid making unstable loads. This can also lead to structural issues in the future.
Step 4: Reinforce Your Roof Structures
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to reinforce your roof before winter arrives. By doing that, it can help it withstand winter storms and heavy snow loads. Here’s how to do that:
- Daily Inspections and Maintenance: You can schedule inspections throughout the year to identify and fix any weak spots.
- Reinforce Existing Rafters and Trusses: You can try increasing the thickness of rafters to help them bear more weight and stop sagging.
- Strengthen Connections: Be sure the connections between rafters and walls are secure to avoid any roof collapses.
Step 5: Install Roof Heating Cables
You can add cables that can be easily purchased and installed during milder weather. When turned on, they will provide heat to melt snow and prevent ice buildup. This can also help with future buildups and give you some ease to remove them easily
Step 6: Get a Professional Help
After trying all the above steps, if your roof is getting damaged due to the winter attack, it’s better to contact an expert to take care of that.
Keep in mind that the groundwork for a safe roof starts long before snow falls. So, be sure to schedule a professional inspection when the weather is still mild. Besides, a roofing contractor can help identify issues that could lead to damage during extreme snowfall.
Tips For Preventing Roof Damage During Extreme Snowfall!
- It’s a good idea to have a pro inspect your roof ahead of time. They can also spot any issues before the snow arrives.
- Keep an eye on your roof during big snowstorms. Besides, too much snow or ice can add extra weight that could damage your roof.
- Don’t let the snow pile up too high. And, make sure you remove it evenly across the roof before it gets too deep in the low spots.
- Use the right tools and be gentle. So, you don’t accidentally hurt your roof while clearing away snow and ice.
- Check your gutters and drains to make sure they’re clear. This will also help prevent ice dams from forming and causing leaks.
Ending Notes on Preventing Roof Damage
Preventing roof damage during extreme snowfall in NY needs a proactive approach. By keeping an eye on snow depth and taking the above steps, you can protect your roof.
This will also help you to avoid costly repairs on the roof and let you maintain it in a proper way. And, if you are looking to do it via an expert, you can feel free to contact us or visit AKT Construction NY Inc.
Hope you find this guide helpful to know how to get rid of roof damage during heavy snowfall in New York. Good luck with stopping them!