It's the time of year when snow builds up and blankets the world in white. Even though you may have been wrapped up under blankets, you might not have realized that the snow has also reached your home exterior.

An over-wintering snowfall can have strange effects on your roof. It's possible to have enough snow to make a plan for removing it. But you need to be careful. It can also lead to ice dams when melting snow turns into ice. However, a thin layer of snow can provide insulation to keep your home warm. Let's now discuss roof snow: How and when to remove it and what to do about it.

A sign that your roof is performing its job is snow on your roof.

It's common for homeowners to be worried about snow accumulations on their roofs. However, it is actually a good sign! If the snow doesn't melt quickly, this means heat isn't escaping through your attic floor and then transferring from the roof to the exteriors.

It would seem unlikely that heat transfer could be a problem. However, heat from the roof does not transfer evenly. The heat from your roof's edges will reach your gutters, and then it will typically freeze. When ice forms over the edge, it can cause an ice dam. This can lead to roof damage and leaks.

It's not enough to be a biggie.

Heavy snow can cause roof damage, especially if it is often two feet or more. While your roof is made to withstand snow, it can become quite heavy if there's still snow on top. Most roofs can handle 20 pounds per square foot of snow, which is roughly two feet of heavy, wet snow and four feet of light, fluffy snow.

When snow accumulations reach these levels, it is worth considering removing them. If it continues to accumulate, your roof could collapse. This can happen in all weather conditions, but especially during subzero temps. However, a snow shovel is not able to reach the roof. An asphalt roof can lead to serious damage to the shingles. This could cause your roof leakage and other problems.

Unmelted snow can act like an insulation blanket.

Some homeowners have wondered if the snow blanket acts as insulation. The snow is not allowing heat to escape. Additionally, light, fluffy snow is made of ice crystals suspended inside pockets of air. That's the same as fiberglass insulation, except that it is not glass. Many homeowners report feeling warmer in their homes after a good snow. As long as the attic floor has enough insulation to keep that heat in and that snow is on the roof, it's possible.

There are several options to improve the heat in your home. These include adding fiberglass insulation between the attic floor joists and radiant barriers below the roof. You could also consider adding rigid foam insulation over the roof sheathing. Another option is to check the air sealing in your home, especially around your chimney, pipes, windows, and doors. You can also have an HVAC specialist inspect your ducts for heat leakage. These tips will ensure your home stays warm even when the snow melts.