GRANDVILLE, Mich. -- Two days of consistent snow across West Michigan has made driveways and sidewalks first priority for most homeowners, but the experts are quick to point out - don't forget about rooftops.
Snow covered rooftops, while picturesque, can actually be quite hazardous. All Gutter Systems manage Bill Friberg says, "If you have snow covering vents, whether they're pop vents or continual ridge vents, sometimes that doesn't allow any ventilation to happen."
Limited ventilation could lead to dangerous toxins getting trapped in your home or business, and the hazards from snow on rooftops doesn't stop there. "The danger of having snow pile up on your roof is the added weight creates a potential for collapse," explains Friberg.
Certain roofs are more at risk than others. In general, roofs with a lower pitch tend to hold more snow so they have a greater risk for failure.
So when is it time to worry about your roof? Friberg says now. "We just got a significant amount of snow. Just as of this morning, the moisture is up the snow is now packable, which is adding weight. It's getting more dense. So now is the time."
Plus the forecast is calling for days in the teens and single digit nights, which means icing. "It's going to turn into ice and that's going to be even more heavy and dangerous," says Friberg.
