We love to talk about the weather. This year, winter weather talk has reached a feverish pitch. With 3 feet or more of measured snowfall the focus has shifted from the height of snow banks to the accumulating snow on roofs.

This has led to many anguished home owners trying to determine when exactly the snow load roof apex has been achieved and clearing is required. It is more mind churning than trying to time your investment portfolio. Should I hold or sell.

I recently received a timely notice from my insurance company advising me precisely when to take action regarding the dangers of snow accumulation. I quote. “Heavy snow accumulation can stress your roof, potentially leading to leaks or, in extreme cases, collapse. When the snow reaches a thickness of approximately 5 centimetres (2”), it acts as your indicator that it’s time to clear it.” 5 centimetres!! Our daily deluge of snow in mid February brought four times that every day for what seemed like weeks. At least we have been warned.  

I sought the advice of an old timer. After all this winter was how all the winters were back in the day. He could not recall ever hearing of any homes collapsing under the weight of snow. Barns and sheds were a different story. 

He did recall a time his father warned of the overhanging snow and ice above their household entrance and advised to run when exiting the home. This is still good advice. He did have his roof shoveled this year because of their flat roof. He instructed the shovellers to ensure the roof area above the baby grand piano was cleared well. I would have had them focus above the beds but everyone has their priorities. 

Of course all that snow will melt or come down in due time. A local resident reported on a sunny day how the entire winters roof snow came off the roof in a class 2 avalanche. A class 2 avalanche in case you are wondering is capable of burying victims. See previous advice to run.

Icicles. If snow load on our roofs isn’t enough to keep us up at night these menacing ice bombs wait patiently for an opportune time to claim a victim. Just the other day I was walking along a Clarksburg backstreet admiring these huge industrial sized icicles some the size of tree trunks wondering when one of these20’ ice specimens would come down. Seconds later a loud report went out and one of the larger icicles calved off before my eyes. Rather than falling straight down like a giant spear it came down like a tree being felled angling out onto the road crashing into ice cooler size blocks. If you have thoughts of taking down your icicles, think tree felling only in reverse. 

Seems there has been enough accumulation above us this winter to kill us many times over. But the highest risk may be trying to do something about it ourselves. I know of two local residents recovering from snow clearing falls. By the time this is published our recent thaw may have diffused the concern. But if the thought of wet snow and further snow to come has you worried do your weekend winter warrior clearing with caution or consider hiring a roofer. 

Ron Smith Clarksburg

Prevent dangerous ice dams on your roof

Large icicles near your roof’s edge indicate a common winter problem for homeowners: ice dams. If ice dams are not removed, trapped water can leak into your home and damage your walls and ceilings.

What is an ice dam?

After heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures, warm air from inside your home can escape through your attic or top floor, melting the snow on your roof. The meltwater runs down to your eaves where the surface temperature is colder. There it pools and refreezes, creating a barrier that prevents drainage. This is called an ice dam.

How can you tell if you have an ice dam?

Keep an eye on your icicles. Small icicles that hang from your gutters during a brief melting period are not a concern. It’s when icicles grow, both in length and diameter, that you need to take notice.

What should you do if you have an ice dam?

Removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous. The safest bet is to have a professional, licensed contractor remove snow and ice from your roof surface, overhangs, eaves and gutters.
If you decide against professional help, you can remove snow from your roof with a long-handled roof rake. Work from the ground and take care so that snow doesn’t fall on you when you rake it off the roof.