Metal roofs have become increasingly popular in Southeast Minnesota as of late. Why is this? Because Minnesotans are smart. They appreciate the benefit of a roof that can easily last 40 to 70 years. They realize that a steel roof’s outstanding resilience to large hailstones and strong gusts of wind make it ideal for our frequently inhospitable climate. And because they respect the planet, they value a roof that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
But steel roofs aren’t without their shortcomings. Because its surface is significantly slicker than that of a conventional asphalt shingle roof, a steel roof is at greater risk of causing an avalanche!
What Is a Roof Avalanche?
If you have good taste in movies, then you must love the best film ever to come out of the great state of Minnesota: Grumpy Old Men. You may recall the scene in which John sprays water all over the snow covering Max’s roof. John was attempting to prank his neighbor by causing a roof avalanche – a sudden and violent release of the snow and ice that accumulate on the roof.
Despite all the misgivings between the pair, Jack was being awfully cruel to Max. A roof avalanche isn’t some harmless jape! It may cause serious property damage, as rapidly falling snow and ice can loosen or completely dislodge shingles, skylights and vents. The gutters, which are relatively delicate and only fastened to the house’s roof or fascia, are especially vulnerable to damage as the result of a roof avalanche.
That’s to say nothing of the physical injury a roof avalanche can cause. It’s easy to appreciate how, as the snow and ice a roof accumulates can easily weigh hundreds of pounds. If a 100-pound object falls just 10 feet, it will strike the ground with more than twice as much energy as a 9mm handgun bullet!
Sadly, roof avalanche injuries aren’t uncommon. A roof avalanche at a resort in Colorado hospitalized three people earlier this year, and a Utah man recently passed away after a roof avalanche buried him alive.
How Can You Prevent a Roof Avalanche?
No matter the material it is made of, preventing an avalanche is as simple as raking your roof clear after each snowfall. Can’t have a roof avalanche if there is nothing to avalanche!
But if you would like the best protection against property damage and serious injury, then you are advised to install snow guards. These simple devices are easy to clamp or adhere into place on metal, slate and asphalt shingle roofs alike. Once installed, snow guards prevent snow and ice from rapidly shedding off the roof. Instead they will gradually melt in place, thus minimizing the risk of a dangerous snow avalanche.
Different types of roofs call for different types of snow guards. If you would like the ideal snow guards regardless of your roof’s pitch or the material it is made of, then we welcome you to contact Curry’s Custom Cut Gutter today for a free estimate! In addition to snow guards, we can also install high-quality gutters that will keep your foundation and landscaping protected year round.