What's Damaging Your Roof the Most: Ice Dams or Snow Loads?
- Refined Home Services
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Removing Roof Snow Will Protect Your Home
New England winters are beautiful, but they are notoriously tough on our homes. If you live in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine, you know that a "light dusting" can turn into two feet of heavy, wet snow overnight.
When that happens, your roof becomes the frontline of defense. But do you know the difference between the weight of the snow and the ice creeping up your shingles? Understanding Snow Loads vs. Ice Dams is the key to avoiding thousands of dollars in restoration costs this season. You can take immediate steps to remove roof snow and protect your home from damage.
1. What is Snow Load? (The Weight Factor)
Snow load is simply the weight of the snow on your roof. While roofs in New England are built to handle significant weight, they have limits.
Fresh Snow: Relatively light (about 3–5 lbs per square foot).
Packed/Old Snow: Much heavier (up to 20 lbs per square foot).
Ice and Sleet: The most dangerous, weighing nearly 60 lbs per cubic foot.
Warning Signs of Excess Snow Load:
Interior Doors Sticking: If your bedroom or bathroom doors suddenly don’t close properly, the frame may be compressing under the weight.
New Cracks: Look for cracks in drywall around door frames or in the ceiling.
Creaking Sounds: Frequent popping or creaking during a storm indicates that the structure is under stress.
2. What are Ice Dams? (The Water Factor)
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off. The water backs up behind the dam and can leak into your walls, insulation, and ceilings.
How they form:
Heat Loss: Heat escapes from your home into the attic, warming the roof deck.
Melting: The snow on the upper part of the roof melts.
Freezing: The meltwater runs down to the eaves (which are colder because they overhang the house) and freezes into a block of ice.
3. The Comparison: Which is Worse?
Feature | Snow Load | Ice Dams |
Primary Danger | Structural collapse or sagging. | Interior water damage and mold. |
Visible Sign | Deep snow "pillows" on the roof. | Massive icicles and thick ice ridges at gutters. |
The Fix | Physical removal (Snow Raking). | Improving attic insulation and ventilation. |
4. How to Protect Your New England Home
Immediate Action: Use a Roof Rake
Safety First: Stand on the ground. Never get on a ladder in the snow.
Leave a Layer: Don't scrape all the way to the shingles; you might damage them. Leave an inch of snow behind.
Know Your Roof Type: Different roof types require different solutions. For example, a steep roof may require a professional roofer.
Hire a Professional: If you have a steep roof, you may want to consider hiring a professional roofer to remove heavy snow loads.
The Long-Term Fix: Attic Health
The best way to stop ice dams isn't a rake—it's science. You want your roof temperature to match the outside air temperature.
Insulation: Seal "air leaks" where warm air escapes from your living space into the attic (check around recessed lights and pull-down stairs).
Ventilation: Ensure your ridge vents and soffit vents are clear so cold air can circulate under the roof deck.
5. Regional Tips for NH, MA, and ME Homeowners
Check Your Gutters: Before the first freeze, ensure gutters are clear of fall leaves. Clogged gutters accelerate ice dam formation.
Evaluate Your "Valleys": In states like Maine and NH, architectural "valleys" (where two roof sections meet) collect the most snow. Pay extra attention to these spots.
Professional Help: If you already have a massive ice dam, do not use a hammer or salt. Hire a professional "steam removal" service to melt it safely without cracking your shingles.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Waiting until your ceiling is dripping to worry about your roof is a recipe for a stressful winter. By managing your snow load early and ensuring your attic is properly insulated, you can enjoy the New England winter from the comfort of a dry, safe home.
Pro Tip: Take photos of your roof after a light snow. If you see spots where the snow melts faster than others, those are "hot spots" where heat is escaping—target those areas for better insulation!
Understanding the difference between ice dams and snow loads can help you spot risks early and protect your home through winter, but knowing what the problem is only goes so far. For a deeper dive on roofing materials, costs, and durability, check out this helpful roofing guide. If any of the roof terminology feels confusing, this roofing glossary breaks it down in plain language.
When winter conditions get extreme—or when a roof issue looks complicated or dangerous—it’s always best to contact Refined Home Services to assess the situation and keep your home (and everyone around it) safe.
