Why Snow Load Matters to Your Roof and Homeowners Insurance
Snow and ice are just something that must be dealt with in most of the country during winter months. Even in some places where it’s not expected. But what happens when there’s a lot of the stuff on your roof? Can it cause damage or even structural collapse? If so, will your homeowners insurance cover it?
With winter rolling in, here’s what homeowners need to know about snow load and roof insurance.
Snow-Laden Roofs: Understanding the Risk
How much does snow weigh? It can’t be much. You can hold the stuff in the palm of one hand and not even feel the weight.
Unless it’s wet. Or there’s a significant amount of it. Or there’s more ice than precipitation in the wintry mix. Or drifting has caused heavy accumulations to hit one spot on your roof.
The point is, snow is deceptive. It usually won’t cause much of a problem, but its weight and accumulation can gang up to cause problems to roofs at times.
Factors Affecting Snow Load
How much snow can a roof hold? In general, the risks of structural damage or collapse arise from the weight of accumulated snow and the building’s overall structural integrity.
One year, appropriately named Finland, Minnesota, got 36 inches of snowfall in 24 hours and a total of 47 inches over three days. If it’s bitterly cold out, and it stays that way, the snow will likely stay powdery and eventually blow away.
But if the sun comes out and the frozen precipitation absorbs moisture and continues to sit and compact, it will gain additional weight. And if winds push it and create a higher accumulation at one particular weak spot on the roof, that could be added trouble.
Pitch can affect snow roof load, too. Precipitation is more likely to slide off a sloped roof than a flat one, where it may remain undisturbed by gravity.
If you live in a region prone to heavy winter precipitation, your state’s building code might mandate stronger weight-bearing protections compared to areas where such conditions are rare. Here’s the irony: buildings in the Deep South or other regions unaccustomed to heavy winter storms may face greater risks than those in Alaska, where structures are typically designed to handle seasonal challenges.
Preparing Your Roof for Winter
Get up there before the snowfall. Make it part of your winter maintenance checklist. Or — better yet — send up a professional. Make sure gutters are clean, and inspect your roof for cracking or other points of vulnerability. Are there overhanging tree limbs? If so, trim them. The last thing you need is a heavy, ice-covered limb crashing onto your home during the season’s first ice storm.
After all, a strong, well-maintained roof can better withstand what the season throws at it.
Snow Damage and Insurance Coverage
Does homeowners insurance cover snow damage? Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover load damage as long as there are no unaddressed pre-existing conditions. Read your policy to make sure. Or ask your agent if you’re covered. Just remember that your deductible has to be met before your policy kicks in and assumes the rest of the cost.
This is another good reason to hire a roofing inspector. If your inspector confirms that your structure is in good condition before the snowstorm, your insurance company should have no trouble handling the claim.
Make Sure Your Home Is Prepared for Winter with Acceptance Home Insurance
Go ahead…ask us about snow load and roof insurance. If you already have a homeowners insurance policy, call an Acceptance Insurance agent to review it. Does it offer standard protection against snow load damage and other snow-related homeowners insurance claims? If it doesn’t, your Acceptance agent will help you get more appropriate coverage. If it’s time for a new policy, let us shop around for you to get the best price for maximum coverage.
Call us at 877-405-7102 or get a quick homeowners insurance quote online. You can also find an Acceptance Insurance office near you, where we can help you get your home buttoned up for whatever winter throws at you.
FAQs About Maximum Snow Load on a Roof
Here are a few brief answers to questions you might have on the subject.
How Can I Determine the Maximum Snow Load Capacity of My Roof?
You can go online to find a complex set of calculations based on your local building code, the depth and the amount of moisture in the snow, whether it’s a fresh fall or packed in over time, the pitch of your roof, and even thermal factors from inside your home that might melt it faster.
For a quick estimate without much math, consider that most structures can typically support 20 to 30 pounds of snow per square foot. Depending on the density or water content of the accumulation, this could translate to a depth of about 1.5 to 2 feet of heavy, moisture-laden material. It might be even less if it’s especially saturated or resting on a flat roof.
What Are the Signs of Excessive Snow Load on a Roof?
Some of the more obvious signs are cracks in interior ceilings or walls or signs of new water damage. Step outside and take a look. If your roof looks like it’s sagging, that’s a bad sign. Another is if doors don’t close with ease or you hear popping sounds from overhead.
Try to reduce the risk by addressing the issue proactively. Remove excessive buildup of winter precipitation as soon as possible.
Can I Remove Snow From the Roof Myself?
Don’t take any chances. The steep pitch of a two-story home coated in ice or heavy winter buildup is no place for amateurs. You’re better off to call in the professionals — contractors with ladders, harnesses, and experience.
How Often Should I Have My Roof Inspected for Snow Load Capacity?
It depends on where you live. If you’re in a snow belt region where significant snowfall is a seasonal event, it doesn’t hurt to have it inspected once a year. Your contractor can use the opportunity to alert you to any related issues.
