3 Ways to Prevent Snow Damage to Your Dayton Roof

Shingle roof leak from snow in Dayton Ohio

Snow damage to your roof may not be as obvious as other storm damage. In Dayton, Ohio, if there is one thing we are known for it’s our unpredictable weather. Many Dayton residents feel the scorching heat of the summers, the intense rain of spring, and the abundance of snow in the winter. And it looks like it’s not planning to let up in 2021. 

This winter has been a very unusual one, and it looks like we’re just now seeing the worst of it. The past few weeks have been filled with slippery ice, inches of snow, and brutal winds. Experts say there’s still more to come, so you want to make sure your roof is prepared for the worst. 

Your residential or commercial roof is the only barrier standing between your property and the elements of Mother Nature. Snow damage repairs aren’t cheap, so it’s only natural to want your property in its best condition. If not kept with regular roof maintenance, it could experience a small leak, or even in the worst-case scenario, a cave-in! Down below we’ve explained the three greatest threats to your roof during the winter, as well as how to prevent those risks. 

Weight of Snow & Damage

Perhaps the most obvious risk of winter is the snow. If too much snow builds up, it could mean a potential collapse. There are several factors that play into how much weight of snow your roof can take. Those factors are:

  • Age: The older it is, the more likely it is to collapse. Even minimal snow can collapse older awnings. Older roofs are more prone to corrosion, which weakens the structure even more!
  • Material: Certain types of material tend to withstand the weight of the snow a bit better. For example, lightweight metal roofs only withstand so much snow. While fully shingled roofs are able to withstand much more weight. 
  • Slope: Flat roofs typically are much more prone to collapse from the weight of snow. The slope on steeper ones allows for more snow to fall off much easier. 

A roof replacement can be an expensive venture. If you’re unaware of the condition of your roof, do not assume it is fine. Contact a reliable roofing contractor and gain a professional’s opinion on the matter!

Melting & Snow Damage

When the snow melts all of that excess water could pose a danger to your property. If the water is not able to properly flow off the roof surface, it could pool up in certain places. These pools could lead to mildew, leaks, or quite possibly even a flood. That’s why you don’t want the snow on top of your roof melting. 

To prevent melting snow, make sure the attic of your property is well ventilated. For instance, if your attic is producing too much heat, then the snow will melt. And this is the perfect set-up for ice dams.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are thick and wide ridges of ice that conform around the edges and prevent water or snow from properly draining off of your roof. They can cause any number of problems, from the excessive weight of the ice to harmful mold and mildew from standing water above the dam. Interested in preventing ice dams? Click here to learn more.

Getting the Help You Need

These three threats during the winter require expertise to some degree, and you do not want the wrong contractor for the job! and could end up leading to some expensive roof repairs. 

Therefore, if you’re looking for a reliable roofing company in Dayton, Ohio, then contact Van Martin. Over the years, we’ve gained the knowledge and experience to properly assess any roof! Call (937) 222-7855, or schedule a free roof evaluation online. From there, our experts can tell you what needs to be done.