Are flat roofs bad in the snow?

This is a question that’s frequently asked by people who are shopping for or building a new home in a snowy area.

Although flat roofs can look modern and stylish, the way they’re designed can also lead to certain problems.

And if you live somewhere with harsh winter weather, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for by moving into a house with a flat roof. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with a few unpleasant surprises when the snow comes around.

Are Flat Roofs Bad For Snow?

Flat roofs are not typically a great option for snow. When your area experiences heavy snowfall, having a flat roof could result in several problems, including leaks, damaged shingles, and bowing. However, if you’re a proactive homeowner, having a flat roof in the snow doesn’t necessarily need to be a disaster.

Even in relatively snowy areas, many houses and other buildings will have flat roofs.

As long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort, there are measures you can take to keep your roof in good condition. If you know how to prepare your roof, it should be able to withstand a significant amount of snowfall.

How Much Snow Can A Flat Roof Support?

On average, a flat roof can support around 40 inches of fresh snow or around 15 to 20 inches of packed snow. These amounts can vary a bit depending on the condition of the roof. Generally, an older, deteriorating roof won’t be able to support nearly as much snow as a sturdy new one.

It’s important to realize that when snow first falls, it tends to be relatively light and fluffy.

However, as the snow becomes packed on the flat roof, it becomes significantly denser.

If you’re trying to determine whether or not the amount of snow on your roof is dangerous, you should know this distinction.

Which Roof Styles Are Best For Snow?

There are quite a few roof styles that are great for snowy climates, but a roof with a steep slope is usually the best choice. If the slope of the roof is 30 degrees or steeper, it’s very easy for snow to simply slide right off.

As a result, you never need to worry about a hazardous amount of snow accumulating. Plus, when the snow melts, the water flows down the roof and into the gutters.

Gable roofs are very popular and often considered the best choice for snow.

These roofs feature very few places where snow or moisture can accumulate, which eliminates many potential problems. A few other styles of roofs that do quite well in snowy areas are hip roofs, pyramid roofs, and bonnet roofs.

Should I Avoid Buying A House With A Flat Roof?

You don’t necessarily need to avoid buying a house with a flat roof. In fact, there are several significant benefits to having a flat roof.

For example, they’re easy to install, energy-efficient, affordable, and easy to clean. However, if you buy a house with a flat roof in a snowy area, you should be prepared to take certain measures to avoid roofing problems.

If you don’t take proper care of your flat roof, it will be very susceptible to certain issues during the winter. If you live somewhere with freezing temperatures and lots of snow, it could lead to significant damage to the roof’s structure and its components.

These problems are often preventable, but they will require you to take action.

So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance roof, a flat roof may not be your best option in a snowy region.

Do You Need To Shovel A Flat Roof?

You should only need to shovel a flat roof if you have reason to believe that it’s overloaded with snow. When there are only a few inches of snow on the roof, it’s not necessary to remove it. However, if you suspect that the amount of accumulated snow could threaten the integrity of your roof, it’s best to clear it.

Even when there’s enough snow on your flat roof to potentially cause damage, you don’t necessarily need to shovel it yourself.

For one thing, shoveling isn’t always the most effective way to remove snow from a roof. Other tools, like a snow pusher, can be very effective as well. Additionally, there’s always the option of hiring professionals to clear the snow off your roof.

For the average person, climbing on the roof to work can be very dangerous. During the winter, it’s even more of a safety risk.

So, unless you know how to do the job safely, you’re better off allowing someone with more experience to take care of it.

Tips For Maintaining A Flat Roof In A Snowy Climate

If you move into a home with a flat roof, there are things you can do to help it withstand heavy snowfall. For one, you should make a point to have regular professional roofing inspections.

If your roof is damaged or deteriorating, it will be much more susceptible to serious problems when the snow and ice arrive.

If you have the roof inspected every year, you can promptly fix any issues before they become a major problem.

Finally, if you notice any ice dams forming on your roof during the winter, remove them or have them removed by professionals immediately. If you let ice dams linger, they can lead to lots of moisture accumulating on the roof, which can create leaks and other problems.