Preserving Your Roof’s Integrity: The Role Of Snow Removal Services In The Northeast
By Millstream Construction
Does accumulating snow on a roof require removal? Or can a homeowner “get away with” leaving snow on the roof throughout winter? This dilemma perplexes homeowners who assume that excess snow is too difficult to remove safely and those who make do-it-yourself attempts to pull down a portion of the snow in the hopes that this effort is “good enough.” Northeastern U.S. homeowners benefit from professional snow removal services, an affordable and safe alternative to ignoring the problem of excess snow accumulation or taking a DIY approach. This region’s average annual snowfall ranges from 40 to 50 inches. In some years and localized areas, the snowfall totals can substantially exceed statewide averages.
6 Issues Caused By Excess Snow Accumulation
When snow piles up on a roof, it creates challenges that a homeowner must manage. Otherwise, the house, including the roof, faces a substantial risk of costly damage.
A roof’s performance and lifespan may be shortened by excess snow accumulation.
A roof’s expected longevity is based on the materials that are used on it. However, the weight and pressure of a snow load against the roof’s surface could lead to premature aging. Snow is also a form of moisture. The freeze-thaw cycle can create an environment for the roofing materials (base and sublayers) to deteriorate before their time.
An attic and roof ventilation system might suffer inefficiencies with too much snow.
To maximize efficiency, attic and roof vents must be clear of obstructions. Unfortunately, snow accumulation can create ventilation problems by limiting or preventing airflow. Intake ventilation systems allow cool, refreshing air to enter the home. Exhaust ventilation systems expel hot, humid air from the attic to avoid excess heat buildup.
An excessive amount of snow may lead to gutter and downspout damage.
The weight of snow might cause gutters to crack, sag, or pull away from the fascia boards. Additionally, snowmelt can refreeze as ice in the gutters or downspouts, blocking the channels and preventing subsequent snowmelt from flowing through the gutters. Gutter guards are an effective tool to reduce problems with excess snow accumulation.
The added snow load can cause structural damage to a home and roofing system.
A building’s structural integrity depends on a manageable weight load. Too much stress can cause the roof to sag or collapse. Damaged trusses and ceiling joists also result from excess pressure due to unregulated snow accumulation. Homeowners may also observe ceiling cracks if the duration and density of the snow load weaken the roof.
The risk of ice dam formation increases significantly with a heavy snow load.
Roofing industry insiders advise homeowners to manage the risk of ice dam formation by extracting excess snow accumulation before problems develop. Snowpack insulates the roofing surface. Unfortunately, this effect causes a warming effect at the base of the roof. Snow thaws and flows down the roof to the eaves, where it refreezes.
Moisture penetration and roof leaks could result from too much snow accumulation.
Snow is a form of moisture. When snow thaws, it flows to wherever gravity leads it. If the roof surface contains small fissures, snowmelt will penetrate the sublayers and cause material damage to the roofing system (and eventually the home’s interior). Removing excess snow mitigates this challenge and reduces the possibility of a roof leak.
Identifying The Ideal Snow Removal Services Provider
If you need a snow removal company to extract excess snow from your roof, ask the following questions of prospective providers:
- Can you incorporate specific measures to minimize the risk of excess snow accumulation on my roof?
- Can you provide three or four references (including contact information) from satisfied homeowners who have hired you to remove snow?
- Could you explain your pricing structure for removing snow from my roof? Can you offer an estimate (or quote) to assist me with the likely cost?
- Do you have liability insurance if my home suffers damage during the snow removal process? If so, how much coverage do you carry?
- Do you remove snow from hard surfaces, including driveways, patios, walkways, and sidewalks?
- How many roofs, on average, do you remove snow from during a given winter?
- How much snow must accumulate on my roof before you recommend (and employ) snow removal services?
- How quickly will you respond following a snowfall to (i) assess the situation and (ii) remove snow from my roofing system? Are you on call 24/7/365?
- What forms of payment do you accept for your snow removal services?
- What snow removal equipment, manpower, and methods do you use to safely remove snow accumulated on my roof?
- Where do you place the excess snow after removing it from my roof?
- Will you provide a written contract if I place you on retainer for a given winter?
Hiring A Snow Removal Professional In The Northeastern U.S.
Homeowners in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island can trust Millstream Construction to deliver the best snow removal services in the Northeastern U.S. We have the knowledge, experience, tools, equipment, and techniques to remove snow safely, efficiently, and effectively. We also understand what methods work to minimize or eliminate snow accumulation on a roof.
Contact Millstream Construction today to discuss your snow removal needs or to schedule an appointment to assess your roofing system.
