As winter arrives in New England and the snow and ice begin to blanket our homes, it’s important to remember that maintaining the safety and integrity of our homes goes beyond just keeping our driveways and walkways clear.
Removing the snow load from your decks and roofs is an often-overlooked but crucial winter maintenance task that can prevent a host of problems, from structural damage to personal injuries.
Here’s why shoveling your decks and roof is essential for your home.
- Prevent Structural Damage
Accumulated snow and ice can weigh upwards of 50 pounds per square foot. This exerts significant pressure on a home’s roof and decks. On a typical 1000 square foot roof, that’s the equivalent of 10 pickup trucks sitting on your roof!
This added weight can cause the framing members to sag, fasteners to fail, and potentially a complete collapse to occur.
Lower pitched roofs are more susceptible to damage than steeper pitched ones. And decks are the most susceptible. This is because the flatter the surface is, the more snow load its structural members are carrying. Shoveling your roof regularly helps prevent this weight from building up and saving you from costly and potentially dangerous structural damage.
Avoid Ice Dam Formation
Ice dams are another concern that can be addressed through regular shoveling. Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts and then refreezes at the eaves or gutters, creating a barrier or dam that prevents further snowmelt from leaving your roof. This can lead to water infiltrating your home, damaging walls, ceilings, and insulation. Removing the snow from your roof helps prevent ice dams from forming in the first place, keeping your home dry and your roof leak-free.
Extend the Life of Your Deck
Decks are a valuable part of your outdoor living space, and shoveling them during winter is essential for preserving their longevity and aesthetics. Not only can the weight of snow and ice lead to structural damage, but the moisture trapped against your deck boards can cause damage to the deck finish, as well as rot and deterioration of the decking and framing material. Regular deck shoveling helps prevent these issues, ensuring that you’re maximizing your deck’s lifespan and preventing damage.
Prevent Injuries
Icicles falling from your roof, or a slippery deck can pose significant hazards to your family and visitors. Shoveling your deck and roof can help eliminate these hazards, making your home safe during the winter months and protecting you from potential lawsuits.
Call the Experts
Shoveling your decks and roofs is a crucial winter maintenance task that often goes overlooked. It is a proactive measure to prevent structural damage, ice dam formation, and slip and fall hazards. So, before the next snowfall, make sure to add this important task to your winter checklist and don’t hesitate to contact a professional snow and ice dam removal company if you notice ice dams forming on your eaves. It’s much better to have them removed before your roof starts leaking! By doing so, you’ll protect your home, your loved ones, and your investment, ensuring a safe and cozy winter season.
