Ice or snow? Which produces more damage to the Roof

The accumulation of snow and ice on our roofs can have serious consequences if we live in a climate where heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures are common at certain times of the year. Although both snow and ice can damage a roof, the shape, and causes for which they can accumulate, as well as the damage they can cause, are different. The effects of snow or ice on the roof are similar since both add excess weight that could be problematic. However, each one causes different damages.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we want to tell you the difference of damage caused by ice and snow to the Roof :

Accumulate snow on the roof
The descending force of the snow on a structure is called the snow load. Its effect is very impressive in the regions that there are many annual snowfalls. The structure of the roof is very vulnerable to the effects of snow load, since it is the structure that bears most of the weight. Certain factors can make a roof more susceptible to damage caused by snow load. These include inadequate construction of a new roof, as well as failure to take adequate precautions to protect the structure and insulate the roof without providing ventilation. Old roofs are even more at risk due to their age and worn structure.


Accumulate ice on the roof
The greatest danger with the accumulation of ice on the roof is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams are formed in eaves or overhangs of roofs. As the snow melts and freezes again it creates hanging icicles. Any trace of snow trapped behind has nowhere to go when it melts and turns into water, so it pushes up and under the tiles and this can damage the tiles, the felt, the siding and the interior of the space of drag.

Snow Vs. Ice on the roof
Snow will usually add more weight per square foot of roof space than ice. A roof covered with a sheet of transparent ice adds weight but not as much as the roof covered by a foot of snow. The real problems begin when ice and snow combine to not only add weight but also form ice dams. Between the two, they can ruin eaves, roofing materials, and interior structural timber.


Depending on the region in which you live, it is possible that a heavy snowfall and ice accumulation is a reality that forces you to face. It is not advisable to leave a large amount of snow on your roof for a prolonged period of time, nor should you allow ice to accumulate on the eaves to trap moisture behind it, the best protection against these risks is adequate ventilation, and if necessary, hire staff to do the professional removal of snow and ice.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe! 

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.