Heavy snow is occasional in most of the North West but a regular winter visitor on higher ground — the Pennine fringe and the Cumbrian fells. Snow matters for two reasons: it is heavy, and it melts and refreezes, which is often more testing for a roof than the snowfall itself.
What snow does to a roof
- Weight — lying snow is heavy, and a sound roof is built to carry it; a weakened or already-sagging structure is more at risk. See sagging roofs.
- Melt and refreeze — daytime melt that refreezes at the eaves can pond behind the ice and push water back under the tiles, tied closely to freeze-thaw damage.
- Blocked, frozen gutters — ice stops meltwater draining, so it backs up and finds any weak lap or flashing.
Don’t climb up to clear snow.
Snow and ice make roofs lethal. If you’re worried about snow load or ice, call a professional rather than going up yourself.
Before the snow comes
- Make sure gutters are clear so meltwater can drain
- Repair loose tiles and cracked mortar in autumn
- Check the loft for any existing sagging or damp
- On higher ground, have exposed roofs looked at before winter
- Related reading: freeze-thaw damage and preparing your roof for winter.
- On higher ground in Cumbria or around Bolton? Find a local NFRC member roofer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no — a sound roof is designed to carry snow, and getting onto a snowy or icy roof is extremely dangerous. If you’re concerned about load or ice damming, call a professional.