Roof Neighborhood Snow

Because gabled roofs have a steep pitch they allow accumulated snow to slide off the roof.

Roof neighborhood snow.

Heavy loads of wet snow can eventually lead to shingle damage stress on load bearing walls and even roof collapse. Since snow falls at slow steady speeds large quantities of snow can fall on the roof resulting in bowing. Once water begins to pond on a flat roof it can lead to the following problems. In extreme big snow winters excessive snow accumulation is unavoidable.

Wet snow can be nearly three times heavier than dry fluffy snow. Ponding water on roofs not only affects the integrity of the roof materials but can also interfere with the function of the hvac and other electrical systems. For effective snow removal the pitch should be at least 4 12. So while a cubic foot of fresh powder might weigh in at 7 pounds that same amount of wet packed snow could be more like 20.

That is a 4 inch change in incline for every foot of roof width. If your home has a roof with a substantial pitch ice dams and clogged gutters can still prevent snow from sliding off. Removing snow from your roof is a slippery undertaking. A simple gable roof is often the best choice for regions that have significant snowfall.

A house that has a bare roof when all the others in the area are covered in snow or has excessive ice formation is a sure sign of poor insulation and inadequate venting.