Get matched with top roofers in Green Ridge, MO

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

Many states require roofers to be licensed, and some states don’t mandate licensing. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to check if a roofing company holds the proper licensing for your area. A licensed roofing contractor will provide reliable roof installation service, leading to a reduced risk of leaks in the future, which can be expensive to repair. Paying more for a licensed roofer upfront often means paying less over time.

Whether replacing the entire roof or just installing roof shingle replacements in small areas, always pull up the old roof shingles. While you can technically put new roof shingles (but not other roof materials) over old shingles, this can add weight strain to the roof and prevent the new shingles from securing properly to the roof.

The level of underlayment’s water resistance will depend on the type of underlayment. The most popular underlayment, felt, is water-resistant, but it can’t withstand long direct exposure to rain or the elements. 

Synthetic underlayment is more waterproof, but asphalt is the only fully waterproof type of underlayment.