How to stop snow from blowing in roof vents

This small guide resumes everything on you’ll find in blogs, construction guides, and experiences of people in the area. How to stop snow from blowing in roof vents is essential to keep your house insulated from the cold winter weather for this reason.

Heavy snowfalls usually occur during the cold periods of December, January, and February; this does not mean that they do not occur at other times, but they are less common. If we live in a region where there is a predisposition to these situations, then we must take action.

The accumulation of snow on the roof implies an additional weight that can pose a risk to the structure itself. This can lead to the collapse and destruction of the roof, especially if the snow allows it to remain for a long time.

Make sure that the roof is well insulated. The online under-the-roof tile is fundamental, basically because it prevents water and humidity from entering, and also serves as a resistant layer together with the rest of the structural materials.

If we have the opportunity to remove the snow, then it would be a good option; however, this is not always the case, so it is convenient to do it as soon as possible to remove that weight that, as we have already seen, is the biggest problem.

Another more technological and efficient option is heating cables. They are arranged along the gutters or the roof surface and are thus well fastened. This way, direct heat transmission generates instantaneous snow melting. They are also called de-icing cables.

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Snow blowing in roof vents

There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not attics should be vented, as building codes state that they must be vented to regulate the moisture inside the attic and prevent snow from accumulating on the roof.

However, many construction websites overestimate this ventilation because they state that those same attics without ventilation work exactly as the ones with ventilation.

In an emergency or a constrained environment, ventilation can make all the difference. The wind is its main propulsion source. Openings at the soffits, followed by those at the ridge, gable, and/or the top of the roof surface further up the roof are required to enable total ventilation. 1:300, or one square foot of vent size for every 300 square feet of attic space, is the minimum requirement for vent size.

To keep bugs and debris out of the ducts, it is crucial that the vent be secured and dispersed properly.

If it uses a soffit, make sure to leave a space for airflow

Hard plastic molds (extruded polystyrene) are used as ice barriers.

How to stop snow from coming into a ridge vent

Don’t waste time worrying about it if there is no sign of moisture on your roofing. You’ll almost certainly notice dampness in the drywall below if there is snow in the attic. After all, as the snow melts, it can only enter the ceiling below through the insulation.

Look through the attic access panel to see if the ceiling has water stains or other blemishes. It’s preferable to search up there during or right after a snowstorm because the proof can soon disappear once inside. How well insulated and ventilated your home is, as well as the outside temperature, all affect how soon ice melts.

How to check vent pipes for snow and ice obstructions

It’s time to check your home’s exterior furnace vent if the outside temperature continues below freezing for a number of days.

This typically appears as a white plastic pipe coming out of the house’s side. You can use a spatula to remove any light ice that may be.

Then, check the vent pipe with a flashlight to determine if there is any buildup inside. You’ll need a heat source to melt the frost if it has accumulated more than normal. Connecting a hair dryer to an exterior outlet is one technique to achieve this.

Use the hot air from the dryer’s maximum setting to melt the frost that has formed inside the pipe. When using the hair dryer, keep your hands warm and put on a pair of protective gloves. Although the hair dryer is a very helpful piece of equipment for melting frost, you should never use it in the rain or when it is snowing since it could electrocute you.

This is a small guide about how to stop snow from blowing in roof vents that could help you this season and give you an idea on how to proceed with a snowstorm in your attic.

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. December 11, 2022

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.