The snow may look pretty around Oxfordshire today and it’s a great time to enjoy a snow day with the family. However, the snow can potentially cause damage to your roof if you have any existing damage, blocked gutters or just due to the weight of snow.
Weight of snow
Any roof can be affected by a build-up of snow however some roofs are more susceptible to damage from the weight of snow.
Older flat roofs that are commonly seen on car ports, garages and extensions can be put under stress from the weight of snow. Any previous damage can be worsened by ice expanding within damaged areas or weakened support could result in the roof collapsing.
Low pitched roofs can have similar issues although drainage is better.
Roofs that are different heights commonly seen in older areas and town centres can have weight issues due to drifting snow in corners often affecting the lower roofs. There is the added pressure of damaged tiles being broken as the ice forms. To make the risks worse there is also the possible risk of snow being dumped as it melts from other roofs.
Preventing damage
Making sure that your gutters and drains are clear of leaves, moss and build up ensures as the snow melts it can drain away. If your gutters and drains are blocked water can build up and refreeze causing further damage.
Where there is snow build-up in weaker areas make an effort to move it only if it is safe to do so. On low roofs you may be able to sweep away some of the snow. On roofs that are not insulated such as conservatories you can heat the room to melt the snow and stop the weight building up, if you feel the roof may be unsafe or you hearing creaking stay clear of the area. If you need to melt the snow on your roof open a loft hatch.
It’s all about year round maintenance
As with all roofs, good maintenance and monitoring is the best way to avoid and costly incidents. Damage can always happen but by checking tiles, ridges and guttering regularly you can minimise the risk of damage when the cold weather strikes.
