The start of 2026 was very cold for big parts of the UK. There was plenty of snow in a number of areas, including across Berkshire. As a result, many people are dealing with the consequences of heavy snow on their roof. We want to have a closer look here at some of the issues that can happen. Then, if you want to arrange roof cleaning in Old Windsor and other areas, you can speak to us.

Three major problems

If you end up with a lot of snow on your roof, it can cause three big issues. Firstly is snow dams. What happens here is heat from inside the property causes the bottom of the snow closest to the roof to melt. Unfortunately, that can send water leaking between the roofing materials. It will get into your loft and could pour down the internal walls. Ultimately, this can lead to mould, damp, and structural damage.

The second big issue is ice dams. Melting snow should fall off the roof into gutters and flow harmlessly away from the building. However, if temperatures are still low, it can freeze. The ice can block the gutter and lead to leaks, again risking mould, damp, and structural damage. There can be other problems too. For example, the weight of the ice could cause the guttering to collapse. It could even pull the lowest layer of tiles free in some situations.

Finally, and most worryingly, the snow could cause the roof to collapse. It is unlikely in the UK because it rarely snows heavily enough, but there is still a chance. The problem is the extra weight of the snow. It could exceed what the roofing can bear, causing supports to fail. The risk is generally highest with flat roofing.

What to do?

As the top provider of roof cleaning in Old Windsor and other parts of Berkshire, we know how important it is to be proactive with property maintenance. This can help keep the roofs and gutters in excellent condition. The same goes for minimising the risk that snow will damage your home.

Best practice in general for roofs and gutters is to make sure they are clean and clear. This ensures water will flow away easily. It will be useful when it snows, reducing the risk of blockages, ice dams, and gutter collapses.

Stopping snow settling on your roof is a big challenge. A common recommendation is to use salt or some form of de-icer if the forecast says there is a high chance it snows. The idea is it will melt the snow rather than letting it settle. It’s important to be cautious here though as salt and de-icer could damage roof materials. It could also leave dirty marks behind.

One thing to look at is the quality of your insulation. It provides two massive benefits. Firstly, it will reduce the amount of heat that escapes the property, saving you money on energy bills. Additionally, if there is snow, it reduces the risk of it melting and finding a way into the building.

Need to arrange roof cleaning in Old Windsor?

As you can see, snow can cause a lot of issues with roofs. If you need to arrange cleaning afterwards, or want to be proactive to protect your property in the future, Berkshire Roof Clean can help. We’ve got a wealth of experience, competent technicians, and great equipment. Even better, we know to take care and prioritise protecting the roof when we clean it.

So, get in touch today and ask us about roof cleaning in Old Windsor or other areas in Berkshire. We’d be happy to help you protect your property and improve the kerb appeal.