Right now, the severe weather in the Northeast is affecting millions as dangerous wind chill and freezing temperatures sweep throughout. With massive snowfall accumulated across the region, residents are urged to understand the various winter alerts and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their home.

One thing that homeowners should pay close attention to is a potential roof collapse. Significant snowfall can put a strain on a CT roof, causing damage and even a collapse. Most roofs are capable of supporting up to 20 pounds per square foot of roof space before any possible damage occurs.

Below is an infographic from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety that shows the risks of having too much snow on your CT roof. It’s a relatively straightforward infographic that highlights how much snow is detrimental to your home, and how you can alleviate the stress on your roof such as purchasing a roof rake. Here’s how you can estimate how much weight your roof can actually support:

Fresh Snow: 10-12 inches of new snow is the equivalent of one inch of water, or about 5 pounds per square foot of roof space. So you can have up to four feet of new snow before your roof feels some stress.

Packed Snow: 3-5 inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, so anything over two feet of old snow is too much for your roof.

Ice: One inch of ice equals one foot of fresh snow.

Knowing what to look for in advance is one of the best ways to avoid costly CT roof repairs. Don’t forget to check out more tips in our FREE Roofing Maintenance Guide. Click the link below to receive your guide and ensure that your home is safe throughout the winter.