Snow Buildup On Metal Roof

Snow and ice buildup can slide off a metal roof causing a dangerous avalanche effect.

Snow buildup on metal roof.

Repeat the process after every snowfall to keep the roof clear of ice dams. Homeowners of asphalt roofs are vulnerable to ice dams. When a metal roof undergoes a structural engineering design it necessarily takes into account the code required levels of snow accumulation for the building location. At these slopes snow creeps rather than slides and is easy to manage.

Ask a friend or family member to hold the ladder on the ground to make sure it s stable. Purchase snow guards from your local hardware or home improvement store. However on the high end it could be over 40 pounds per square foot. Have a professional install the snow guards if you re worried about damaging your metal roof.

Metal roofs leak under these circumstances. To use the rake pull the snow toward the edge of your roof. When the snow piled up on the roof melting occurred and ice dams resulted in water ponding 3 inches deep. Some metal building manufacturers will not warranty a roof with a 1 4 inch slope.

Others allow a 1 4 inch slope. On roof slopes between 4 12 and 6 12 rough textured roofing materials work best. Purchase a long handled aluminum roof rake preferably with wheels or a non stick graphite blade. These occur when snow or ice on the roof melts and then refreezes at the roof s lower edge.

This avalanche effect is why most homeowners should consider installing snow guards on their metal roof.