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aluminum shingle snow build-up

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Guest User
1/10/2014
We have a house with aluminum shingle roof. It's been up there for about 35 years (or so we are told). We bought it 3 winters ago and and didn't have any problems with snow load, building up but this year the snow hasn't really slid off like before and it has wrecked all the gutters. We haven't changed anything by way of heating and the aattc space has bundles of insulation as well as blown in insulation. Our neighbors, who've been here 20 years, have said it always slid off the roof before and they too are puzzled this year. There is no 'sheen' to it anymore and it feels gritty like sandpaper.....could that be a problem? This has been the heaviest snow fall since we bought the house. Any suggestions as to what could of caused it to stick so bad, or how to avoid it once we replace ALL the gutters?? Thanks!
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
1/10/2014
What you have occurring appears to be ice damming which results from snow higher up on the roof melting and then running down and re-freezing over the home's overhangs. There are times when just weather conditions can be a real contributing factor -- lots of days of very cold temps and no sun. Other than that, this is often the result of inadequate insulation or ventilation. I presume nothing has happened to reduce insulation in your attic so I wonder about ventilation. Is there any chance the intake vents at the bottom of the roof have gotten blocked by insulation?
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!
1/10/2014
Kali, Todd is spot on. This winter has tested and pointed out many of the deficiencies in peoples insulation and ventilation of attics. Google air sealing and insulation as well as attic ventilation. You need a healthy dose of both.
Guest User
1/23/2014
Thanks for the ideas. The ventilation isn't covered up and air flow seems to be good. There is also a great deal of insulation. Since we have changed neither and both are same as previous years I guess it could just be the weather this year. Any suggestions on how to avoid it again (other than venting and insulation.....or moving to the Bahamas?)
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!
1/23/2014
Kali, Insulation does not stop air leakage or moisture movement. You need to air seal the attic floor and keep the moisture in the conditioned space. Given the low temperatures of your area, any moisture is going to create issues.

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