Winter has a way of exposing every flaw in a homestead’s design. This season, we learned firsthand how a lack of ice guards on our metal roof led to cascading sheets of ice, threatening both the structure and anything below it. It’s a frustrating oversight—one that experienced builders in northern climates wouldn’t make. In places like Wisconsin, ice guards are a standard feature on metal roofs, preventing large, dangerous chunks from sliding off. But here in Arkansas, where snow and ice are less common, we simply didn’t think about it. That was a mistake.
Historically, before the advent of modern ice guards, people in snowy regions relied on traditional methods to mitigate these dangers. Wooden shingles, for example, naturally roughen over time, preventing snow from sliding off in large sheets. Early metal roofs were often hand-formed with raised seams, which acted as natural barriers to slow snow movement. Some homeowners in the past even stretched ropes or chains across their roofs to break up sliding ice—a primitive version of today’s metal ice guards.
Another key step is installing gutters and proper drainage. When ice melts in the day and refreezes at night, water can find its way into weak points in the roof, leading to leaks. Gutters with heating cables can prevent ice dams, which form when melting water has no way to drain and begins backing up under the roof panels.
But that’s where mindset comes in. Every homesteader faces these struggles. The key is to embrace the problem-solving process and remember that every mistake is a learning opportunity. Praying, pushing forward, and finding creative solutions are what keep a homestead alive.
This week, we put our Texan PL-990 shortwave radio to the test. Despite strong solar flares and heavy atmospheric interference, we were still able to make out voices from Wisconsin while in the Ozarks. In a real grid-down event, this could be the difference between getting critical information or being left in the dark.
Historically, shortwave radio played a massive role in wartime communication and disaster relief. During World War II, resistance movements and covert operations relied on shortwave signals to pass messages across occupied territories. Even today, in places where governments restrict internet access, shortwave radio is used to share uncensored news and vital information.
For homesteaders, having a working shortwave setup means staying connected with other like-minded individuals, getting real-time weather alerts, and maintaining a network for barter and trade when needed.
Winter might be throwing challenges our way, but every problem we solve gets us one step closer to making this homestead exactly what we envisioned.
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Understanding Ice Damage on Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and great for shedding rain and snow quickly. However, when snow accumulates and begins to melt unevenly, it can create massive ice sheets. Once those break loose, they come crashing down, denting lower roofs, damaging gutters, and even injuring people or livestock. In severe cases, falling ice has been known to take out propane lines, crush vehicles, and destroy porch coverings.Historically, before the advent of modern ice guards, people in snowy regions relied on traditional methods to mitigate these dangers. Wooden shingles, for example, naturally roughen over time, preventing snow from sliding off in large sheets. Early metal roofs were often hand-formed with raised seams, which acted as natural barriers to slow snow movement. Some homeowners in the past even stretched ropes or chains across their roofs to break up sliding ice—a primitive version of today’s metal ice guards.
Fixing the Problem: Ice Guards & Gutters
The best modern solution for preventing this issue is installing snow retention systems like snow guards or bars. These small metal or plastic pieces break up the sliding snow, allowing it to melt gradually rather than releasing all at once. Retrofitting them onto an existing metal roof is possible, though it takes some work. Self-adhesive snow guards can be applied with special roofing sealants, but the most secure option is mechanically fastening them with screws.Another key step is installing gutters and proper drainage. When ice melts in the day and refreezes at night, water can find its way into weak points in the roof, leading to leaks. Gutters with heating cables can prevent ice dams, which form when melting water has no way to drain and begins backing up under the roof panels.
Overcoming Setbacks: The Mental Battle of Homesteading
Building a homestead from scratch is a constant test of resilience. Just when you think you’ve solved one problem, another pops up. There are days when every step forward feels like it’s met with two steps back—equipment breaking down, leaks appearing where they shouldn’t, and winter storms throwing a wrench in progress. It’s easy to get discouraged.But that’s where mindset comes in. Every homesteader faces these struggles. The key is to embrace the problem-solving process and remember that every mistake is a learning opportunity. Praying, pushing forward, and finding creative solutions are what keep a homestead alive.
Shortwave Radio Practice: Prepping for Grid Down Scenarios
Beyond the roofing repairs, we also spent time practicing shortwave radio communication with our group. Radio remains one of the most reliable forms of off-grid communication, especially in an emergency when cell towers or internet access might be down.This week, we put our Texan PL-990 shortwave radio to the test. Despite strong solar flares and heavy atmospheric interference, we were still able to make out voices from Wisconsin while in the Ozarks. In a real grid-down event, this could be the difference between getting critical information or being left in the dark.
Historically, shortwave radio played a massive role in wartime communication and disaster relief. During World War II, resistance movements and covert operations relied on shortwave signals to pass messages across occupied territories. Even today, in places where governments restrict internet access, shortwave radio is used to share uncensored news and vital information.
For homesteaders, having a working shortwave setup means staying connected with other like-minded individuals, getting real-time weather alerts, and maintaining a network for barter and trade when needed.
Takeaways & Next Steps
- Install Ice Guards & Gutters: This is non-negotiable. Retrofitting our roof will help prevent future ice damage.
- Improve Emergency Preparedness: Winter storms can quickly turn into disasters, making shortwave communication an essential backup.
- Stay Mentally Tough: Homesteading is a long-term commitment. Setbacks will happen, but learning from them is what builds resilience.
Winter might be throwing challenges our way, but every problem we solve gets us one step closer to making this homestead exactly what we envisioned.
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