Can Snow and Ice Damage a Roof?

Man Shoveling Snow Off Wichita Home Roof

How much snow is too much for your roof? As a Wichita homeowner, you know the damage heavy snow and ice can bring: leaks, structural damage, and in worst cases, total roof collapse. But how can you prevent unwanted snow and ice damage to your roof? Dingers Roofing and Construction can help. We’ll explain how snow and ice can damage your roof in Wichita and provide steps to prevent costly roof repairs.

How Snow and Ice Can Damage Your Roof

Weight of Snow and Ice

The sheer weight of snow and ice significantly threatens your roof. The Wichita/Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code requires roofs to support 20lbs of weight per square foot. One inch of ice weighs about five pounds per square foot, and one inch of ice is equivalent to the weight of one foot of snow. A “safe” amount of weight to have on your roof is typically half of its maximum designated load, according to engineers. This means a typical roof in Wichita could safely hold about two inches of ice or two feet of snow. 

Still, all that extra weight stresses your roofing system and strains the internal support structures. Over the days and weeks it takes for that snow and ice to melt, the pressure often leads to leaks and snow damage to roof underlayment, flashing, and shingles.

Icicles Hanging From A Roof

Ice Dams

Ice dams often hide in plain sight. According to the National Weather Service, ice dams typically form when ice or snow melts during the day and then refreezes overnight. This frozen runoff forms into an icy ridge along the roof’s edge, creating a dam for future water. As water fills the dam, it overflows and begins to seep into the shingles of your roof. 

Ice Dam
Ice Dam On A Roof Diagram

Eventually, the runoff from ice dams gets so backed up that it causes water damage by seeping into the shingles and soaking into your house’s walls, ceiling, and rooms. This water may also refreeze between small cracks on your roof, causing the roof to expand and leak. Over time, that water can foster mold growth, promote mildew, and damage your home’s installation.

Attic Condensation

Many homeowners forget that condensation buildup can cause serious winter roof damage. Poor attic ventilation can trap warm air, heat, and moisture in living spaces. As the heat rises, it starts to warm the roof and melt the snow outside. This process creates uneven melting, eventually resulting in ice dams along the gutters and edges of your roof. On top of that, if the warm air in the attic is not correctly ventilated, it condenses into water droplets when it reaches the cold roof sheathing. Those same water droplets then lead to mold spores, mildew growth, and wood rot, damaging your roof’s structure.

Preventing Roof Damage from Snow and Ice in Wichita

Regular Roof Inspection

Professional roof inspections do more than catch vulnerabilities in the roof’s structure. They also give homeowners a chance to make roof repairs before severe weather hits. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recommends homeowners schedule a roof inspection every three years to keep up on important maintenance. Typically, the best time to schedule a roof inspection in Wichita is in the fall before the winter arrives.

Proper Attic Ventilation

As part of regular home maintenance, homeowners should inspect the soffit vents under the overhang of the roof. These vents keep the home correctly ventilated by allowing air in the attic to escape. Because insulation and ventilation are so closely related, homeowners should also be aware of key insulation measurements, such as R-value.

View Of Attic From Inside A Home

When measuring the effectiveness of a building’s insulation, roofing contractors and builders use a building industry term called the R-value to refer to thermal resistance per unit area.  The higher the R-value, the better the heat resistance. Typically, residential roofing should have a relatively high R-value of around 30 to help reduce the heat transferred to the roof.

To evaluate your roof’s ventilation and insulation, we highly recommend you reach out to a roofing contractor for a professional opinion.

Snow Removal

While Wichita doesn’t typically experience heavy snowfall, it’s still wise to be prepared. If snowfall exceeds 6 inches, consider removing snow from your roof to prevent excess weight and potential damage. However, DIY snow removal can be hazardous, risking falls and property damage. It’s best to hire a roofing company or snow removal professionals equipped with the right tools to handle the job safely.

Gutter Maintenance

It may seem like a no-brainer, but cleaning your gutters can keep your roof much safer during the winter. Removing dead leaves and other residue allows melted snow and rainwater to drain correctly, preventing further ice dams. We recommend cleaning your gutters and the edges of your roof every spring and fall. This is a great way to get ahead of the curve and protect your home in the future.

Signs of Roof Damage to Watch For

Leaks and Water Stains: Look for discolored patches, often yellowing or brownish, on ceilings, walls, and in the attic. The stains may be circular or irregular in shape.

Water Damage On Ceiling

Missing or Damaged Shingles: Keep an eye out for curled, cupped, cracked, or torn roof shingles, all of which are common signs of snow damage.

Damaged Asphalt Shingles

Sagging Roof Damage

Sagging Roof: Look for any noticeable sags in the ridge line of the roof. Drooping or sagging gutters and gaps between the roof and walls are also signs of a sagging roof.

Ice Dam On A Roof

Ice Dam Formation: Look for icicles hanging from your roof, especially if there’s a thick layer of ice along the edge and your gutters aren’t draining properly. Inside, check for water stains on your ceiling or walls.

What to Do if You Suspect Roof Damage

  • Contact a qualified roofing contractor for an inspection.
  • Document the damage with photos.
  • Contact your insurance company and check your insurance policy.
  • Don’t attempt DIY repairs.

When it comes to snow and ice, it’s always best to be prepared. We recommend taking steps early to prevent significant damage down the road, and to seek professional assistance if you’re unsure. 

If you need help battling roof damage caused by winter weather, our team can help. Contact us today for a free roof inspection in Wichita.