Why It’s Important to Keep Snow Off the Roof

Arkansas winters are fairly mild, but there are instances when snow and ice make a surprise appearance. When this happens, it’s good to be well-versed in the protocol for keeping your home safe and sound. Keeping snow off your roof is one strategy that helps prevent the need for emergency roof repair in Arkansas. 

Here are a few reasons why snow accumulation poses such a threat to your home, brought to you courtesy of local Fort Smith roofing company Shamrock Roofing and Construction.

Too Much Snow May Cause Structural Damage 

Snow may look light and fluffy, but when it piles up on the roof, it packs a major punch! Surprisingly, the weight of snow can actually damage your house’s integrity and structure. Excess weight takes a toll on the house, especially one with a roof that’s old or was not installed correctly. This may lead to the possibility of leaks. Check your doors inside the house to make sure they still shut properly. Then check the door frames to see that they are still square. Searching for a reputable roofing contractor in Arkansas is not something you want to deal with in the dead of winter, so avoid the hassle by keeping your roof snow-free. 

Snow Accumulation Creates a Higher Risk for Ice Dams

Ice dams in the Fort Smith area aren’t all that common, but it’s helpful to know about them so you can be proactive in preventing them. Ice dams form when water from melting snow can’t drain properly. Instead, it gets trapped and freezes under the shingles or flashing. When this melt/freeze cycle is left unattended, ice dams (also known as icicles) form. As the ice accumulates, it pushes further up under the roof, which can lead to leaks and water damage on the interior of your home. Mold and mildew may also become a problem because of the moisture in the roof. The trickle-down effect is reason enough to take snow removal seriously.

It Poses a Physical Threat to Your Family

When snow is allowed to accumulate, it will eventually find a way to release. Often, this occurs in an avalanche-type fall. You’ve probably seen videos of avalanche slides, and it isn’t pretty. It could easily hurt anyone standing in the way on the sidewalk below. Your landscaping and any local critters might also feel the sting. Not to mention the possibility of a lawsuit or an insurance claim if someone gets hurt on your property. Luckily, the solution is easy. Keeping snow from accumulating on your rooftop keeps everyone safe. 

Questions About Snow Removal? Give Shamrock Roofing a Call!

Safely removing snow is easier said than done (especially in Fort Smith, where snow isn’t all that common). That’s when hiring a professional roofing company in Arkansas makes sense. It’s best to get their expertise on how to prepare for winter snowstorms. They may recommend a pre-winter roof inspection or investing in special tools like snow guards or a roof rake. Either way, Shamrock Roofing and Construction can help. Contact us today for more information on roofing in Arkansas and the services we offer. We’ll help you protect your home from snow this season!