Removable Snowguards Can Help Control Snow Accumulation on Your Roof
You will want to strategically place two or more snow guards on your roof so the accumulation of snow is consistent on the roof. You do not want to have a snow guard on one side, where a few feet of snow accumulates, but no snow guard on the other side and possibly uneven snow accumulation. This could also cause uneven weight on your roof and that is not a good thing.
Snow guards will likely cause ice dams on the roof and on a roof that needs some repairs could result in leaking into the home. Using a removable snow guard you can also control and remove ice dams, and most importantly stops snow from avalanching off the roof.
Coverage for interior damage to your home from ice damming may not be included under some home insurance policies, if the policy only covers interior water damage from a storm-created opening on the roof. Review your policy or speak with your agent for guidance.
Throughout the winter you or your roofer will want to monitor snow and ice accumulation on your roof and address any damage that could worsen. A problem with parts of a plywood roof decking or underlayment being rotted due to wear and tear over time, could reveal itself as snow or ice is melted by the sun and warmer temperatures.
Even a sturdy metal roof can succumb to ice damming problems. Keep an eye on snow and ice accumulation in roof gutters. As sunlight melts the snow and ice, water can overflow from gutters into small openings leading into the home, especially the closer it gets to spring.
You should take care not to walk on a roof that is heavy with snow and ice, especially if any part of the wood decking under the shingles is wet and rotted and could collapse under your weight. Keep in mind damages could be hidden by the snow.
Generally speaking, once the snow season sets in and there is no danger of melting, most damages would be suspended until early spring when the snow and ice begin to melt.
