Can Your Roof Collapse From Too Much Snow in Minnesota?
There's no doubt that Minnesota winters are some of the worst, and between snow loads and ice dams, this can be a concern for the structural integrity of your roof. Regardless of the size of your structure, roof collapses are possible due to a few different factors.
So, today, we will talk more about what signs to look for and some preventative maintenance tips to reduce the risk of collapse and needing emergency repair.
How Much Snow Can Your Roof Handle?
The amount of snow your roof can hold depends on several variables, like if the snow is wet or dry or if ice has built up under the pack.
On average, a high-quality roof can hold up to 20 pounds per square foot, which equals around four feet of snow before beginning to break down, so keep this in mind as you evaluate the risk.
How Do You Know If the Snow Load Is Too Heavy?
If the snow has started piling up, in most cases, your roof is going to give you some signals that it has too much stress on it, so be sure to keep an eye out for the following:
-
Water damage in the ceiling or drywall
-
Cracking sounds inside the home
-
Doors inside are not opening or closing properly
And if you own a commercial building, one of the biggest signals is that the sprinkler heads will protrude from the ceiling. This happens because they are usually attached to the roof in the design, so if they look abnormal, this could indicate that too much pressure is built up on the system, and you may need to call a professional.
How Do You Reduce the Risk of the System Collapsing?
Roof skin collapses for multiple different reasons and can usually be attributed to:
Unrepaired Structural Damage
Many things can contribute to structural damage, like cracked, curled, or missing shingles. If your flashing is damaged or missing or you have dented plumbing boots or roof vents, these all affect the system's integrity and can contribute to a collapse.
Poor Residential Roofing Design and Construction
It's not always easy to tell if you have a botched roof job, but some key things to look for are uneven or bumpy surfaces, sagging roof lines, or missing components. If the job wasn't completed by a professional, there could be a general lack of uniformity, they may have used bad nailing techniques, and you may start finding water leaks in your attic or ceiling.
Older Homes with Outdated Roof Requirements
Some of the most obvious signs are missing components and materials and uneven areas or sagging sections. If you suspect your roof is outdated, your best option is to get a professional inspection to know your roof is in great shape and your interior structure is protected.
What Steps Can You Take to Keep Your Roof Protected?
Keeping the roofing system from collapsing starts with preventative maintenance, so recommended steps include:
Restoration Geeks: Your Trusted Source for Expert Services
As you can see, even with a heavy snow load, you can take several preventative steps to keep your roof protected. Staying on top of regular maintenance and roof repairs is crucial, and if you need outstanding craftsmanship, Restoration Geeks can help!
Our team has been delivering trusted results in Minnesota for over 20 years, so whether you need expert renovation or gutter services, we have you covered.
To schedule an inspection or repair, message us online or call us at 952-500-9546 today.