Should I Worry About Ice & Snow On My Roof?

Once you look past all the potholes and fender benders that come with winter weather in Indianapolis, there’s a lot to love about snowfall in the Circle City. But when snow and ice start to pile up on rooftops, it can turn winter into less than a wonderland.

Here’s what Indianapolis homeowners need to know about snow and your roof. Spoiler alert: you're probably fine, but there are a few important risks to keep an eye out for!

The Basics: Snow and Your Roof

As much as we enjoy a nice snowstorm, the weight and buildup of snow can put some serious stress on your roof. Sure, throwing a snowball isn’t exactly a heavy lift, but snow can get REALLY HEAVY when it piles up!

On average, a foot of fresh snow weighs around 3 pounds per square foot, but that can grow to 20 pounds per square foot when snow gets packed down or gets wet. Your roof is designed to handle a certain amount of weight, but age, wear and tear, and other factors can make it weaker over time.

The long and short of it is that heavy, wet snow can put a real strain on your roof and lead to nasty, leaky problems you don’t want to deal with this winter.

Can Snow Really Damage My Roof?

It sure can! Okay, the truth is that snow buildup isn’t likely to bring your roof crashing down. But it can cause some serious damage in subtle ways that you should keep an eye out for this winter.

Ice Dams: A “Dam” Bad Problem to Have

If your roof isn’t properly insulated or ventilated, drafts and high heating bills could be the least of your worries. Proper insulation keeps your attic from leaking heat — heat that melts snow and causes it to refreeze as ice dams at the edge of your roof.

Ice dams are such a pain because they trap pooling meltwater on your roof, which can soak through your shingles and leak into your house. Not fun to deal with, trust us.

Leaks, Leaks and More Leaks

Speaking of leaks, snow can actually cause them too. Melting snow can slowly seep under your shingles and eventually creep into your attic and ceilings. You like water dripping into your house? Neither do we — especially not during winter.

Things get more complicated thanks to our temperature-swing-y Indiana winters. Snow that thaws and refreezes can really do a number on your shingles, and make pools of water that are destined to end up in your home.

Damage to Gutters and Downspouts

Remember how heavy wet snow can get? If that puts strain on your sturdy roof, imagine what it can do to your poor gutters and downspouts! 

If they’re clogged with ice or snow, your gutters won’t be able to do their job properly — leading to more ice and water backing up into your roof. Clogged gutters put more stress on your roof, too, putting your shingles and flashing at risk of damage.

When to Call the Winter Roofing Pros

While your roof is designed to handle some snow, there are times when you should spring to action this winter. Here’s when it’s a good idea to give Bryant Roofing Systems a call for winter roof maintenance:

• When Snow Builds Up: If you spot more than a few inches of snow piling up on your roof (especially if it’s wet or heavy), the risk of damaging your roof increases. If you can’t safely clear it off yourself, it’s time to call in the experts.
• If You See Sagging: If your roof looks like it’s sagging in spots, that could be a sign that the heavy snow is too much weight to bear. This is especially true for older roofs. If you spot sags, it’s a good idea to get a professional roofer to inspect things before it turns into a bigger problem.
• When You Have Ice Dams: If you’ve noticed ice forming along the edges of your roof or in your gutters, that’s a clear sign of an ice dam. These need to be dealt with “dam” quickly to avoid roof leaks and damage.
• If You Notice Roof Damage: Cracks and other damage to your shingles or flashing spell trouble when it gets snowy. If you spot anything amiss up there before snowfall, reach out for maintenance before the weather turns wet.

Winter Roof Worries? “Snow” Problem!

Snow on your roof isn’t always a reason to worry. As long as you keep an eye on things and call in the pros when you spot the warning signs, your roof will be ready to handle whatever winter throws its way.

At Bryant Roofing Systems, we’re born-and-bred Hoosiers. We’ve got years of experience dealing with those fickle Indiana winters, and we know exactly how to keep your roof in top shape this season.

If you're worried about snow on your roof or need a professional eye to scope out the situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer free inspections and estimates, so there’s no cost to get the Bryant crew on the scene to keep you safe and warm this winter.