Gutters can get damaged from excessive snow and ice.  One major clue is the long icicles that dangle dangerously from them.  This is also a major clue that and ice dam is forming.  Ice and snow in the gutters can cause severe damage and even injury if the gutter should fall from the weight.  The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that your gutters are cleared out before the snow falls.  However once it has already happened, having the snow removed from you roof will prevent any further damage or injury.

It is very dangerous to try and remove the snow yourself with no experience.  In addition it is highly likely that you will do more damage, and the ice will be under the shingles, and you run the risk of ripping them up in the process.  It is always best to call in the professionals for this job.

Source:  http://www.ehow.com/way_5860274_rooftop-snow-removal.html

Removing snow from the roof should be done carefully and gingerly so as not to damage any of the shingles.  Removing snow from the roof with no education will cause more problems and repairs.  To remove snow from the roof use a simple plastic roof rake.  This clears the snow off and prevents it from melting.  Removing all the snow is not necessary; it will melt and run off the roof.  However, by removing the majority of the snow, you are limiting the problem.  Another related concern is icicles.  Icicles are caused by blocked gutter.  If the icicle can be knocked down safely, it is a good idea to do so as it relieves pressure on the gutters.

Roof maintenance is important in the wintertime, but be sure that you do your research and are comfortable with performing the job.  If not, be sure to call in the professionals so the job is done properly and without adding more damage.

Source:  http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/80302107.html

There are tools that are specifically designed for removing snow build-up from the roof.  These range from snow rakes, snow blades and snow razors.  All these tools are designed to slice the snow and pull it down in a controlled manner.  Be advised that this is a dangerous task and should only be performed by those with knowledge of snow removal.  Calling a professional is ideal and the safest method.

There are measures that can be taken to prevent snow build-up in the future, including venting the attic and clearing the gutters.  The worst case would be a new roof to ensure efficiency is maximized.  Unfortunately, for older homes, it is more difficult to repair the roof, making snow removal much more frequent.

Source:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/531041/why_and_how_to_remove_snow_from_your.html?cat=6

Snow loading is the term used to describe the downward force of snow on a structure.  This is a serious concern for people who live in regions that experience a lot of snowfall.  As snow is full of water and very heavy, the roof essentially takes the brunt by taking the weight.   There are certain elements that are more likely to cause damage: improper re-roofing, faulty structure and lack of air ventilation.  Older roofs with weaker structure are at an even greater risk.  The pitch of your roof is also imperative to preventing snow loading.  Flat roofs unfortunately do not have the ability to displace the snow.  The danger is that the more snow is on your roof, the heavier it is and the more risk you have of structural damage.

In addition, snow loads have a tendency to create ice dams, which can cause even more damage.  The best solution in this case is prevention.  Take measures to ensure that snow and ice do not have a chance to accumulate.  Speak to professionals about the best ways to prepare your home for the coming snowfall.

Source:  http://www.doityourself.com/stry/snow-on-the-roof–vs-ice-on-the-roof

Snow build-up on the roof is dangerous for many reasons.  Not only is it heavy, causing a structural strain on your house, but also it generally has nowhere to go but down.  This can cause damage to roofing materials, the eaves as well as anything caught underneath it when it falls.  Measures to take in order to prevent snow build-up include:

1. De-Icing Tapes are heated cables installed along the roof eaves, in gutters and downspouts.  The cables are attached to the shingles in a zigzag pattern.  They are heated electrically and must be powered through a waterproof electrical outlet for safety.  There must be an allowance made for the proper drainage of the water, in order to prevent Ice Dams.  De-Icing tapes create drainage channels for the water that would otherwise freeze in the gutters or behind an Ice Dam.

Heat tapes and de-icing cables are available in lengths varying from 30 feet to 150 feet and can be purchased at most home improvement stores, however it may be beneficial for you to bring in the professionals.  They are operated with 120 volts of electricity for maximum snow melting.

1. Snow guards are used to hold snow in place and to prevent it from falling off the roof.  The Snow guard is metal, and is installed in staggered rows along the edge of the roof.  They are available in different lengths to accommodate different placements, including one for use over the doorways.

Roof top snow build-up is a serious issue that can cause major problems.  Make certain that you are aware of your options in making your home as safe as possible when it comes to falling snow.  In addition, you will be saving yourself the excess stress and financial burden of repair a roof damaged by snow.

Sources: http://articlesupport.com/2009/11/18/keeping-the-winter-ice-away/

http://www.homeownercare.com/how-to-control-ice-and-snow-on-your-roof/2009/11/

When snow builds up on a roof, it generally has nowhere to go but down, sliding off the roof like an avalanche.  In this event, the snow can tear off gutters, ruin roofing materials and damage anything in its path.  By taking the proper measures to prevent this from happening, you will save yourself the financial burden of having your roof repaired in the future.

Ice Dams are the dangerous result of the freezing and thawing of snow and ice.  This is most common when it is warm during the day and cold at night.  However, they can also be the result of heat loss or poor ventilation.  Ice Dams form at the eaves and prevent water from draining off the roof and back up behind the dam.  Not only can they be destructive for the roof, but they can also be dangerous for you and your family if the ice was ever to fall off the roof onto someone.

It is beneficial to look into these issues before the advent of major snowfall as a precautionary method.  Contacting a company like Roof Top Snow Removal is a smart decision, as they are professionals and will be able to assess your situation and provide you with a solution.  Addressing the issue of snow and ice will ensure that your family and home are safe and safe you the stress and financial burden of repairing your roof after the fact.

Source: http://www.homeownercare.com/how-to-control-ice-and-snow-on-your-roof/2009/11/

Snow build-up on the roof is dangerous for many reasons.  Not only is it heavy, causing a structural strain on your house, but also it generally has nowhere to go but down.  This can cause damage to roofing materials, the eaves as well as anything caught underneath it when it falls.  Measures to take in order to prevent snow build-up include:

1. De-Icing Tapes are heated cables installed along the roof eaves, in gutters and downspouts.  The cables are attached to the shingles in a zigzag pattern.  They are heated electrically and must be powered through a waterproof electrical outlet for safety.  There must be an allowance made for the proper drainage of the water, in order to prevent Ice Dams.  De-Icing tapes create drainage channels for the water that would otherwise freeze in the gutters or behind an Ice Dam.

Heat tapes and de-icing cables are available in lengths varying from 30 feet to 150 feet and can be purchased at most home improvement stores, however it may be beneficial for you to bring in the professionals.  They are operated with 120 volts of electricity for maximum snow melting.

1. Snow guards are used to hold snow in place and to prevent it from falling off the roof.  The Snow guard is metal, and is installed in staggered rows along the edge of the roof.  They are available in different lengths to accommodate different placements, including one for use over the doorways.

Roof top snow build-up is a serious issue that can cause major problems.  Make certain that you are aware of your options in making your home as safe as possible when it comes to falling snow.  In addition, you will be saving yourself the excess stress and financial burden of repair a roof damaged by snow.

Sources:  http://articlesupport.com/2009/11/18/keeping-the-winter-ice-away/

http://www.homeownercare.com/how-to-control-ice-and-snow-on-your-roof/2009/11/

Snow loads are a major problem for many homes in the winter. Different homes have various live loads (temporary load that a roof structure is designed to support). Many homeowners find themselves with snow loads their roofs are unable to handle which leads to leaking and other permanent damages. As you already know, snow is essentially frozen water. That being said, snow loads can vary due to several factors such as height and moisture content ranging from dry to wet.

The water content of snow varies; dry snow has approximately 4% water content, while wet snow has approximately 35% and Ice is about 95%. Currently the average roof is able to support about 20 lbs per square foot. It is important to remember that this varies due to poor construction and cheap building materials.

Homes come into real danger when the snow on a roof becomes very wet or turns into ice. Since a cubic foot of ice almost weighs a cubic foot of water you can imagine the strain that is put on a roof when there are a few inches of ice (since a square foot of 3 inches of waters weighs approximately 16 lbs). It is impossible to tell whether your house was built to withstand heavy snow loads unless you were highly educated in engineering and construction. Therefore the safest move is to have the snow removed in order to save your home from extensive damages.

Being up on a roof can be very dangerous never mind when it is covered in snow and ice. This is why it is very important to hire a professional who has experience in snow removal. Remember it will be very cost effective to solve the problem as soon as possible before really serious damage is done to your home.

Drift

Snow drift plays a major role in roof damage. This is because it displaces large amounts of snow on particular areas of a roof. Snowdrift is the process of wind moving snow and placing it in a different area. The drift generally stops at stationary objects such as walls or changes in the slope of a roof.  This process is quite common and can cause a great deal of stress on a roof.