Winter storms in northern Illinois can bring about significant amounts of snowfall, leaving homeowners wondering how much snow their roofs can handle. Heavy snow loads can cause damage to the roof or even lead to its collapse, posing a severe safety risk to the inhabitants. The stateline area is predicted to get a significant winter storm this week. When should you be worried about your roof? There's a few factors.

The Pitch of Your Roof

First, the pitch of a roof is one of the primary factors in determining how much snow it can hold. A steeper roof can handle more snow than a flat or low-pitched roof. According to BobVila.com, a roof with a pitch of 6/12 (I hope that means something to people that know things about roofs) or greater can handle up to 2 feet of light, fluffy snow, while a roof with a pitch of 4/12 can hold up to 1 foot of snow. However, a flat roof can only hold around 5 to 10 inches of snow.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

What's Your Roof Made Of?

Another essential factor in determining the snow load a roof can handle is the type of material used for the roof. Metal, slate, and tile are better equipped to handle heavy snow loads compared to asphalt shingles, as reported by BobVila.com. Angi.com recommends that homeowners should also consider the age and condition of their roofs, as older or damaged roofs are more susceptible to collapse under heavy snow loads.

Where Do You Live?

The geographical location is also a critical factor in determining the snow load a roof can handle. As per USA Today, homes located in areas with heavy snowfall should have building codes that consider the average snowfall in the region. RoofMaxx.com states that the maximum snow load on a roof can range from 20 to 300 pounds per square foot, depending on the location.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

It is important to note that not all snow weighs the same, with wet snow weighing more than dry snow. Additionally, a layer of ice can significantly increase the weight on the roof. Homeowners should be aware of the amount of snow on their roof and consider hiring a professional to remove any excess snow to prevent any damage.

Homeowners in northern Illinois should consider the pitch of their roof, the type of material, the geographical location, and the age and condition of their roof when determining how much snow it can handle. It is important to monitor the amount of snow on the roof and remove any excess snow to prevent any potential damage or collapse. Stay safe this winter!

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

More From WKFR