Whether you love snow or can't stand it, there's no question you'll be interacting with it as part of daily life during the winter in a place like Michigan. And for property owners looking to both protect their roof and other property elements plus learn a thing or two in the process, there are actually a number of basic facts about snow that are both interesting and potentially helpful for you.
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're here to offer an unmatched selection of snow guards, snow rails and related products from top manufacturers like Snow Defender. For those both curious and interested in learning some facts that might help them with their snow prevention efforts, here are some fun facts about snow that you may not have been aware of.
While most of us are familiar with the fact that snow comes in different forms, few people really stop to think about the differences between these. Generally speaking, there are three primary forms of snow you might see:
Believe it or not, snow can actually come in a variety of colors! While most of us are used to seeing white snow, it can also come in shades of pink, green, and even orange. This happens when impurities such as dust or pollen get caught in the snowflakes as they fall, giving them a tinted appearance.
Many people assume that snow is extremely slow at all times due to its light and gentle appearance. However, snow can actually reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour while falling! This is because snowflakes are very light and have a large surface area, which allows them to be easily carried by the wind.
In fact, this basic quality leads to somewhat of a seeming paradox: Bigger snowflakes actually fall faster, because they have higher mass but the same surface area as smaller flakes. This means that, under the right conditions, snowflakes can actually grow to be quite large before they finally reach the ground.
Some are already aware of this tip, but in case you're not, it's worth mentioning that snow can actually fall at temperatures above the freezing point. This is because the air temperature above the ground can often be colder than the ground itself, allowing for snow to form even when it's technically warm out.
Now, in these cases, the snowflakes will typically melt when they hit the ground, but it's still an interesting fact to keep in mind!
Another simple fact that some of our readers may already be aware of, particularly those who have dealt with large amounts of snow on their metal roof or other parts of their property: When it comes to snow, you can have too much of a good thing!
While we all know that a heavy snowfall can be great for skiing, sledding and other recreational activities, when there's too much snow on your roof or other property items, it can cause serious damage. Be sure to keep an eye on the amount of snow accumulating and take preventive measures such as installing snow guards or rails to prevent potential damage.
Finally, the process of melting snow can be very hazardous in certain situations. When a large amount of snow melts rapidly, it can cause flooding and other issues that can damage your property. Additionally, if the temperature drops suddenly after a rapid melt, it can lead to dangerous ice formation that can cause slips and falls. So, be sure to monitor the melting process and take precautions if necessary.
Hopefully, these fun facts have provided you with some new knowledge about snow that you may not have known before. As always, trust Supply Maverick for all your snow guard needs and stay safe during the winter season!
