It's that time every year when the snowbanks are full, and the world is blanketed with white. It's possible that you haven't noticed that your exterior has not been spared by the snow, even if you're fortunate enough to be indoors.

A blanket of snow can make your roof look strange. If you have enough, you might need to devise a plan to remove the snow. You'll need to be careful. If melting snow becomes ice, it can then freeze and cause damage. The snow layer can also act as insulation, keeping the heat in your home where it is needed. Let's look at rooftop snow, how it can be removed and how it can be done. And when it's more beneficial to leave it where it is.

Snow on your roof is an indication that your roof is doing its job.

Snow accumulations on roofs can cause homeowners anxiety. However, this is a good thing. If the snow isn't melting quickly, it means that heat from your house isn't escaping through the attic floors and then moving from your roof to the outside.

While you might not think heat transfer would be a problem, the fact is that heat through the roof doesn't always transfer equally. Heat often refreezes once it reaches the gutters. An ice dam is when a solid layer of ice builds up over the roof's edge. The formation of blocks of ice on roof edges can lead to roof damage or leaks.

However, a little goes a long way.

Heavy snow can be quite damaging to your roof, especially if you live somewhere that gets more than two feet. Your roof is constructed to withstand snow. However, if the snow hasn't melted yet, you may find more snow on top. A majority of roofs have a maximum snow load of 20 pounds per square foot. That's roughly about two feet worth of wet snow or four feet worth of fluffy, light snow.

If you are able to reach that level, you might want to consider getting rid of the snow. You could risk your roof cave-in, which is an unpleasant experience in any weather but especially when it's subzero. But you won't be able to get onto your roof with a snow shovel. Asphalt roofs are more susceptible to damage than shingles. Your roof could leak and cause havoc.

Unmelted snow may be used as an insulation blanket.

Many homeowners are wondering if blanketing snow can act as insulation because it doesn't allow heat to escape. Also, light, fluffy snow is made from ice crystals suspended between pockets of air. It's similar to fiberglass insulation, except it has ice instead of glass. Many homeowners report that their homes feel warmer when there is snow.

Some of the best options for heating your home are to add fiberglass insulation between the floor joists or a radiant barrier beneath your roof. Also, make sure to examine the air sealing of your home around pipes, windows, doors, chimneys, and windows. A professional HVAC technician can also check for heat leakage in your ducts. All these ideas can help you keep your home warm, even after the snow melts.