As we move toward the holiday season and the dead of winter, heavy snowfall has already begun or will be starting up soon in many areas of the country. There are a few areas of your property where a bit of preparation for heavy snow season can be helpful, and your roof plus any roof snow guards you utilize are a great example.
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we're proud to offer a wide range of metal roof snow guards for any need, plus various other products like foam closure strips and more. Here are some tips from our professionals on preparing your roof and any snow guard products for the heaviest seasons of snowfall, ensuring that your entire property is protected from the risks of snow accumulation.
Risks During Heavy Snowfall Season
During heavy snowfall, your roof is at risk of damage due to the weight of accumulated snow. This can cause a few related risks:
- Roof damage: Snow accumulation can cause serious damage to your roof, leading to leaks and other costly repairs.
- Collapsed roof: In extreme cases, the weight of heavy snowfall can cause a roof to collapse completely, putting you and your family at risk.
- Ice dams: As snow on your roof melts due to heat from inside your home, it can refreeze at the edges or in gutters, creating an ice dam. This can trap water on your roof and lead to leaks or damage.
- Falling snow or ice danger: In areas with foot traffic, falling snow or ice from the roof can be a danger to passersby. This can create liability issues for homeowners or businesses.
With these risks in mind, it's important to take proactive steps to prepare your roof and snow guard products for heavy snowfall season.
Preparing Your Roof
Before the first flakes of snow fall, here are some tips on preparing your roof for the winter months:
- Inspect your roof: Take a close look at your roof to identify any areas that may need repairs before the snow falls. This can help prevent leaks or other damage during heavy snowfall.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Removing leaves, debris, and other buildup from gutters and downspouts will allow melting snow to flow freely off of your roof rather than creating ice dams. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent buildup in the future.
- Trim trees: If you have overhanging tree branches near your roof, trim them back to prevent potential damage from heavy snowfall or ice buildup.
- Check insulation and ventilation: Proper insulation and ventilation can help reduce the risk of ice dams by keeping your roof cold enough to prevent snow from melting too quickly. Make sure these areas are properly maintained before winter arrives.
Preparing Snow Guard Products
In addition to preparing your roof, it's important to also take steps to prepare any snow guard products you may have installed. Here are a few things you can do:
- Clear debris: Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris from around your snow guards to ensure they can function properly during heavy snowfall.
- Check for damage: Inspect your snow guards for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Replace any damaged pieces before the winter season.
- Adjust placement: If necessary, adjust the placement of your snow guards to ensure they are evenly distributed across your roof and can effectively hold back snow. It's possible they may have become dislodged or moved slightly since the last winter.
- Consider additional protection: Depending on the severity of snowfall in your area, you may want to consider installing additional snow guard products or reinforcing existing ones. This can help distribute the weight of accumulated snow more evenly and reduce the risk of damage to your roof.
Periodic Checks
While snow guards are designed to withstand heavy snowfall, it's always a good idea to periodically check their condition throughout the winter season. This can help ensure they continue to function properly and prevent any potential damage to your roof.
During these checks, also take the time to clear any accumulated snow or ice from around your snow guard products. This will prevent excess weight and pressure on your roof and help maintain the effectiveness of your snow guards.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your roof and any snow guard products are prepared for heavy snowfall season. At Supply Maverick, we're dedicated to helping our customers protect their properties with high-quality metal roofing and snow guard products. Shop our selection today and get ready for a safe and secure winter!
