Protecting Your Home During Heavy Snowfall

Montana gets real snow. Not the dusting that shuts down other states - we're talking feet, not inches. And when a big storm hits, your house is dealing with serious weight, ice buildup, and freezing temperatures that can cause expensive damage.

Here's what to do during and after heavy snowfall to keep your home safe.

During the Storm: Active Protection

1. Clear Snow From Your Roof (If Safe)

Snow is heavy. Wet, heavy snow can weigh 20+ pounds per square foot. Your roof can handle some load, but multiple feet of snow pushes structural limits - especially on flat or low-slope roofs.

Safe clearing methods:

• Roof rake from the ground: Long pole with a scraper. Clear snow from eaves working up. Removes heavy bottom layers without climbing.
• Hire a pro: Roofing companies do this all winter. They have equipment and insurance.
• Focus on problem areas: Valleys, eaves, areas over living spaces get priority.

Don't wait if you see these signs:

• Ceiling sagging or cracking
• Doors suddenly hard to open/close (frame shifting)
• Creaking or popping sounds from roof structure
• More than 2-3 feet of accumulated snow

2. Keep Vents and Exhausts Clear

Snow can block critical vents, causing dangerous situations.

Check these during/after storms:

• Furnace exhaust: Blocked vent = carbon monoxide backup into house (deadly)
• Dryer vent: Blocked = fire risk, appliance damage
• Bathroom/kitchen vents: Blocked = moisture buildup, mold
• Gas meter and regulator: Keep clear of snow and ice

3. Manage Ice Dams Actively

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melts snow, and water refreezes at the cold eaves. This creates a dam that backs water under shingles and into your house.

During a storm:

• Clear snow from eaves and gutters
• Use a roof rake to remove snow in valleys
• Keep attic temperature below 30°F (same as outside)
• Don't let snow buildup exceed 6-8 inches on eaves

What NOT to do:

• Don't chip at ice dams with tools - you'll damage shingles
• Don't use heat cables during active storms (they can't keep up)
• Don't ignore water stains on ceilings - that's active leak

4. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes burst. Burst pipes cause thousands in water damage. Prevention is cheap and easy.

During extreme cold:

• Let faucets drip: Moving water doesn't freeze. Drip hot and cold from faucets on exterior walls.
• Open cabinet doors: Under sinks on outside walls - let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Keep heat at 60°F minimum: Even if you're away. Don't try to save $50 on heating and cause $5,000 in pipe damage.
• Insulate problem pipes: Foam sleeves, heat tape, whatever it takes for exposed pipes.

After the Storm: Assessment and Cleanup

5. Inspect for Damage

Once it's safe to get outside, do a full property check:

Roof:

• Sagging sections
• Ice dams still present
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Icicles longer than 2-3 feet (sign of ice dam)

Gutters:

• Pulling away from house (ice weight)
• Bent or damaged sections
• Downspouts clogged with ice

Foundation:

• Snow piled against foundation (move it away)
• Ice blocking drainage
• Cracks or shifts

Trees and structures:

• Branches hanging over roof
• Damaged trees that could fall
• Deck, shed, or garage showing stress

6. Clear Snow Strategically

You don't need to shovel everything immediately. Prioritize:

High Priority:

1. Paths to exits (fire safety)
2. Vents and exhausts
3. Around gas meter
4. Steep roof sections (avalanche risk)
5. Snow against foundation

Medium Priority:

1. Driveway and walkways
2. Snow on decks
3. Around AC unit or heat pump

Lower Priority:

1. Landscaping snow
2. Drifts not causing problems

7. Watch for Melt Problems

When snow melts, that's when hidden damage shows up.

Watch for:

• Water stains on ceilings (roof leak)
• Wet spots on walls near windows (seal failure)
• Basement seepage (foundation drainage issues)
• Soggy insulation in attic (ice dam leak)
• Water in crawl space

Catch these early and you're fixing a leak. Ignore them and you're fixing mold and rot.

Long-Term Prevention

If you're dealing with the same problems every storm, fix the root cause:

Stop Ice Dams Permanently

• Improve attic insulation: Keep heat in, not escaping through roof
• Add attic ventilation: Ridge and soffit vents keep attic cold
• Seal air leaks: Gaps around pipes, wires, fixtures let warm air into attic
• Install ice and water shield: Under shingles on eaves prevents leaks even if dams form

Reinforce Your Roof

• Structural engineer can assess load capacity
• Add support if you're in heavy snow area
• Consider metal roof (snow slides off easier)

Protect Pipes

• Insulate all exposed pipes
• Relocate pipes out of exterior walls (expensive but permanent fix)
• Install heat tape on problem pipes

When to Call for Help

Some situations need immediate professional help:

Don't wait on structural issues. Snow keeps accumulating. What's borderline today is dangerous tomorrow.

Montana Reality Check

We get multiple heavy snow events every winter. This isn't a one-time prep - it's ongoing maintenance from November through March.

Keep a roof rake accessible. Know where your main water shutoff is. Have a contractor's number saved. Stock up on ice melt that won't damage concrete.

And most importantly: don't be the person who ignores 3 feet of snow on their roof because "it's always been fine." Roofs fail when you least expect it - usually during the thaw when ice and water add even more weight.

Dealing with snow damage or need preventive work done? Give us a call. We handle emergency repairs and long-term solutions for Montana winters.