By Frontline Roofing – Unmasking Hidden Winter Risks in Southern Homes
Unique Angle Focus: “Snow Valleys” – When Beauty Meets Ice
Southern roofs are designed for shade and style, not snow. But those picturesque valleys and wide eaves? They’re secretly funneling ice into disaster zones. Here’s why:
1. The Deceptive Danger of “Snow Valleys”
- Low-Pitched Roofs: Designed to repel sun, not snow. Gentle slopes trap ice like a bowl.
- Decorative Valleys: The V-shaped seams between roof sections? They’re ice magnets during freezes.
- Wide Eaves: Perfect for porch shade, but they catch snow like a net, creating hidden ice dams.
2. Why Northern Fixes Fail Here
- Snow Guards & Steep Slopes: Northern solutions clash with Southern aesthetics (and building codes).
- Heat Cable Risks: Improper installation on metal roofs can warp panels or void warranties.
3. The Silent Collapse Risk
- Rain vs. Snow Load: Southern roofs handle 5 PSI rain loads. Just 6″ of wet snow = 20 PSI.
- Case Study: A 2023 Georgia ice storm collapsed a historic Savannah porch roof—weighted down by ice trapped in its ornate valleys.
