A blanket of fresh snow can look beautiful, but looks can be deceiving. For homeowners living in Nebraska, snow can hide a disaster in the making.
Living in the Midwest, harsh winters bring heavy snowfall and frequent freeze-thaw cycles that can quickly exceed our roof’s limits. Understanding the risks associated with snow accumulation, and knowing how to manage this, is key to protecting your most valuable asset!
This guide will walk homeowners through why excess snow poses a danger to your roof’s integrity. We’ll highlight the specific risks of heavy snow and ice dams common in our area, explain when you should take action, and provide tips for safe roof snow removal tailored to local conditions. Protecting your Omaha home starts with being informed and proactive.
The real weight of winter and it’s snow!
Snow’s not hard to notice when on the ground or on our streets. But when it is on your roof it’s easy to underestimate the potential damage it can cause, especially here in Nebraska, where our winter storms bring frequent, heavy snowfall and dramatic shifts in temperature.
Did you know that a single cubic foot of light, fluffy snow may weigh around seven pounds, but in our climate we often experience snow that becomes wet and compacted due to periodic thawing and refreezing. This snow can weigh over 20 pounds per cubic foot!
For a normal size roof in Omaha (2,000-square-foot roof) a foot of heavy, wet snow can easily add up to 40,000 pounds. That’s the equivalent of several cars sitting on top of your home. This presents a real challenge to any roof and is a real and recurring concern each winter.
Snow buildup causes immense pressure and tremendous strain on your home, including the rafters, trusses, sheathing, and walls.
In our local area, our homes often face unique structural challenges. Many roofs in the area were built without our current code requirements, but recent years have brought heavier and wetter snowfalls. These changing patterns mean that even newer roofs can be tested beyond their original design load.
Prolonged periods of snow and cold temperatures resulting in heavy accumulation — especially with repeated thaw and freeze cycles. — further stress out roofs, increasing the risk of leaking, warping, cracking, or even collapse. Most modern roofs are designed to support a specific snow load, but Nebraska winters can push them beyond their capacity.
Signs of overload
Your house will often give you warning signs if the snow load is becoming too much to bear. Pay close attention to these indicators, as they signal an urgent need to remove snow:
- Creaking or popping noises: Unusual sounds coming from your attic or ceiling can indicate the structure is straining under the weight.
- Sticking doors or windows: Shifting in the home’s frame from roof pressure can make doors difficult to open or close.
- Cracks in drywall or plaster: New cracks appearing on interior walls or ceilings are a serious red flag.
- Visible sagging: The roofline starting to bow or sag, it is a critical sign of potential failure.
Ignoring these warning signs poses a serious risk for our local homeowners. In our region, heavy snow accumulation has been known to cause partial or even complete roof collapse, especially when rapidly changing weather increases the load unexpectedly.
Timely and effective snow removal is critical for preventing catastrophic damage and preserving the safety and value of your home.
The threat of ice dams
One of the most common and damaging winter roofing issues for Omaha homeowners is the formation of ice dams.
Our region’s climate sets the stage for these problems. Bitter cold snaps are regularly punctuated by sudden thaws, and snowfall is often followed by brief periods of sunshine or warming.
When snow accumulates on your roof, it acts as an insulator. Heat rising from inside your home escapes into the attic and warms the underside of the roof — even as outside temperatures stay below freezing. This causes the snow on the upper roof to melt, sending water trickling down the slope. As the water reaches the colder eaves and gutters, it refreezes and gradually builds up into a ridge of ice. Over time, this process repeats with each cycle of warming and cooling, allowing the ice dam to grow and trap more melting snow behind it.
These freeze-thaw conditions, common in Omaha, dramatically increase the chance of ice dams developing and causing significant water damage.
Over the course of several months, ice dams create a thick band of ice that blocks your gutters and traps a pool of water behind it.
For Omaha homeowners, this is a frequent winter headache — ice dams can quickly lead to water seeping up and under your shingles.
The trapped water then penetrates the roof deck, soaks your insulation, and eventually leaks into your home’s interior. This can cause significant damage to drywall, paint, woodwork, and flooring.
If left untreated, these problems can escalate rapidly given our region’s tough winter conditions. That’s why it’s crucial for Omaha residents to recognize the signs of ice dams and address them before they result in costly, long-term damage.
Damage caused by ice dams
The consequences of ice dams can be extensive and expensive. Here’s what they can often lead to:
- Water leaks: Water backing up behind the dam can cause significant leaks. This leads to stained ceilings, damaged walls, and ruined insulation.
- Mold and mildew: Trapped moisture in your attic and walls creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, which can pose health risks.
- Damaged gutters and shingles: The weight of the ice can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and damage the roof’s edge.
- Compromised insulation: Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, leading to higher energy bills and making your home less comfortable.
Safe roof snow removal: DIY vs. Professional help
In our metro area, taking action when you notice significant snow buildup is especially critical. The combination of heavy snowfalls and our region’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles means the risks of roof damage —and even collapse— are much higher if snow and ice are left unchecked.
Snow removal isn’t just a matter of convenience. It’s essential for protecting the safety, structure, and value of your home. However, roof snow removal can be dangerous if not done correctly.
When to call a professional
Calling a professional is often the safest and most effective choice for roof snow and ice removal. You should contact an expert if:
- Roof has a large amount of snow building up on it.
- Your home has multiple stories or a steep-pitched roof.
- There is a thick layer of ice present.
- You see signs of significant structural distress.
- You want someone who has done this before to remove the snow.
Hiring local professionals offer specific benefits when it comes to snow and ice removal.
Local roofing experts understand the unique weather challenges of our area and have hands-on experience managing these conditions. They use the right equipment and techniques that work best for Omaha homes and are familiar with local building codes and roof structures.
With proper training and insurance, local contractors remove snow and ice efficiently and safely, minimizing the risk of injury or roof damage. Choosing an Omaha-based professional means you get fast, reliable service from a team that truly knows your neighborhood and is invested in protecting homes within our community.
Protect your home with Millard Roofing
When winter weather truly puts your roof to the test. Taking a proactive approach to snow and ice management prevents costly repairs and protects your home’s structural integrity. Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a major disaster — stay vigilant and act early to keep your home safe.
At Millard Roofing, our decades of experience serving our local homeowners means we truly understand the unique challenges Nebraska winters bring. If your home needs a roof inspection, safe snow and ice removal, or expert repairs after winter damage, our local team is here to help. We know the specific needs of roofs in our area and offer trusted, high-quality service to ensure your home stays safe, secure, and ready for whatever winter brings.
Contact your roofing experts at Millard Roofing today to schedule a free inspection and protect your home all season long.
