Hello everyone, this is Charles McShan. Today is February 11th, 2018. Here in the city of Chicago, this winter has been kind to us. Normally, we would have had a lot of heavy snowfall by this time of the year. But, as of last week, we are all caught up to the monthly snowfall total. Now, granted where you live you might have received less snow or you might live in an area where there is no snow and if so you might be saying this article does not apply to me and if that is the case please continue reading and if you know someone who lives in the snow belt please pass it on. If it snows a lot in your area and there is no thaw in between then you could have a lot of snow on your roof.

How Much Snow is Too Much Snow on Your Roof?

When the snow covers the ground you shovel it aside on the sidewalks and plow it away on the streets but what about your roof? How much snow pressure can a roof handle? In certain Metro areas, last year especially, on the East Coast a lot of roofs collapse under the weight of several snowfalls. Snow can weigh around 2 to 3 pounds per square foot or as heavy as 21 pounds per square foot. So, how do you decide if there is too much snow on your roof? Well, keep in mind that the average roof can withstand 20 pounds per square foot of snow. Light fluffy snow weighs less and heavy snow weighs more. So, if you had several snowstorms and add to that the weight of ice could put you and your roof in serious structural trouble. So what should you do?

First of all, it is very dangerous to try to go on a roof and try to shovel or push the snow off. If you can find a long extension pole that would be the safe way. Other than that please consult a professional. Are there warning signs that you can see from inside your home? Yes, of course, >>> Look for sagging ceiling tiles creaking doors cracked walls and of course leaking ceilings. If you see that your roof is ready to collapse go get out of the house quickly. You can always buy new things. Another point to consider is to know your area. Cities like Boston and Buffalo could have the heavier forms of snow while other areas can have the lighter forms but it always depends on the moisture in the air. Here in Chicago, this year, we have had the lighter forms of snow but that heavy thick snow is always the next storm away. About snow on the rooftops.

Other articles that cover the same issue

• Check your doors. They’ll warn you first if you’ve got too much snow on your roof. To read more on this, visit  Here
•  Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Hopefully, we along with our homes can weather these storms and come out of the Winter of 2018 safe and sound and our homes secure. Let me know if you found this article informative. 

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