Snow Buildup On Metal Roof

At the low end that might be on the order of 10 20 pounds per square foot psf.

Snow buildup on metal roof.

Snow and ice buildup can slide off a metal roof causing a dangerous avalanche effect. However on the high end it could be over 40 pounds per square foot. Repeat the process after every snowfall to keep the roof clear of ice dams. When the snow piled up on the roof melting occurred and ice dams resulted in water ponding 3 inches deep.

If you push the snow across the roof you could end up damaging the shingles. These occur when snow or ice on the roof melts and then refreezes at the roof s lower edge. Purchase a long handled aluminum roof rake preferably with wheels or a non stick graphite blade. To use the rake pull the snow toward the edge of your roof.

On roof slopes between 4 12 and 6 12 rough textured roofing materials work best. 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. Homeowners of asphalt roofs are vulnerable to ice dams. Roof slopes lower than 4 12 tend to perform well with metal roofs which are less prone to leakage and ice dam formation.

Purchase snow guards from your local hardware or home improvement store. Metal roofs leak under these circumstances. Have a professional install the snow guards if you re worried about damaging your metal roof. Others allow a 1 4 inch slope.

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