Snow Cleaning from Roof: A Complete Guide to Maintenance and Removal

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African American woman removing snow from car during a winter day outdoors.
Credit: pexels.com, African American woman removing snow from car during a winter day outdoors.

The weight of snow on your roof can be a real concern, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall. The average snow load on a roof can be as high as 20 pounds per square foot.

Clearing snow from your roof can be a daunting task, but it's essential for maintaining its integrity. You should consider hiring a professional if you're not comfortable with heights or if the snow load is excessive.

In areas with heavy snowfall, it's not uncommon for snow to accumulate on roofs at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour. This can lead to significant weight and pressure on the roof structure.

Regular snow removal can help prevent costly repairs down the line.

Prevention and Removal

Prevention is key when it comes to snow cleaning from your roof. The most common cause of ice dams is inadequate attic insulation, so make sure to install proper insulation to prevent them from forming in the future.

Credit: youtube.com, PolarMade | SnowPeeler Roof Rake

Proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent ice dams from forming. An adequate ventilation system will release the warm air from your attic, keeping your roof near the same temperature as it is outside.

To prevent ice dams, have a professional install ice and water shield from the eaves of your roof to at least two feet past the exterior walls of your home. This will help keep excess water from penetrating the shingles and damaging the roof.

You can also use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof, or install heated deicing cables near the edge of your roof to prevent ice dams from forming. These cables add warmth near the roof edge, allowing melted snow to drain off your roof completely.

Here are some prevention methods to consider:

If an ice dam does form, it's essential to remove it as soon as possible to prevent damage from occurring.

Prevention and Removal

Credit: youtube.com, Ice Dam Prevention and Removal

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding ice dams and the damage they can cause.

The most common cause of ice dams is inadequate attic insulation. Proper insulation can go a long way in preventing them from forming in the future.

Adequate ventilation is also crucial in preventing ice dams. This means releasing the warm air from your attic to prevent your roof from warming up.

A professional can ensure that there is ice and water shield from the eaves of your roof to at least two feet past the exterior walls of your home. This material helps keep excess water from penetrating the shingles and damaging the roof.

You can also use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof. Removing the snow before it has a chance to melt will help remove the risk of snowmelt becoming stagnant and refreezing near the roof edge.

Installing heated deicing cables near the edge of your roof is another option. These cables add warmth near the roof edge and allow melted snow to drain off your roof completely.

Aerial View of a Building with Snow on the Roof
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial View of a Building with Snow on the Roof

Here are some common causes of ice dams and how to prevent them:

By following these steps and taking preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of ice dams and the damage they can cause.

When to Remove

Removing snow from your roof is an essential part of winter maintenance, and timing is everything. You should clear your roof after about 6 inches of snowfall to prevent ice dams from forming.

If you're not worried about ice dams but rather just a heavy amount of snow on your roof, you can hold off for a while. Wait until about a foot of snow has built up.

Wet, heavy snow is a different story. If you feel it when you walk outside, it's best to remove it sooner rather than later.

Fluffy dry snow, on the other hand, has a little more wiggle room to build up. But don't wait too long, or you might end up with too much weight on your roof.

Roof of building with brick roof chimney covered with snow located against cloudless sky in winter time
Credit: pexels.com, Roof of building with brick roof chimney covered with snow located against cloudless sky in winter time

If you're in the middle of a bad snowstorm, it's best to wait until the weather clears up. But if snow falls and then it's sunshine all the next day, the snow will most likely melt right off.

If you've waited too long and start to notice your doors sticking, that's an indication of too much weight on your roof. You need to get your snow removed ASAP.

Safety and Best Practices

Staying on the ground is the most important safety precaution when removing snow from your roof. This is crucial because roofs are steep, and the risk of slipping on wet or icy shingles is high.

To safely remove snow from your roof, consider using a roof rake. These tools are specifically designed to help homeowners remove snow from their roof while staying safe on the ground. Be cautious when pulling the rake across the roof to avoid hooking it on shingles and causing damage.

Credit: youtube.com, Rooftop Snow Removal Alert From OSHA: The Safety Brief

If your roof is too high for you to safely remove snow from the ground, consider calling a professional company to handle the removal. They have the tools and experience necessary to safely remove the snow buildup from your roof.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when removing snow from your roof:

  • Enlist a helping hand to provide extra support and ensure safety during the snow removal process.
  • Dress for roof snow removal by wearing warm, layered clothing and choosing waterproof and insulated footwear for traction and to keep your feet dry.
  • Observe the weather forecast and be aware of any changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind.
  • Remove obstacles in the way, such as debris, branches, or other objects that could make shoveling snow more difficult or pose a safety hazard.
  • Avoid using sharp tools, such as metal shovels, and instead opt for a sturdy and wide snow rake with a rubber edge or a plastic shovel designed for roofing.
  • Do not apply road salt and harsh chemicals, as these can promote corrosion and deterioration of the roof structure and materials over time.
  • Stay away from electric heating tools, such as heat guns, to clear snow from your roof, as this method is ineffective and extremely dangerous.

What is Too Much?

The weight of snow is a critical factor to consider. Wet snow weighs up to 6 times more than dry fluffy snow.

Buildup of three feet for fluffy snow or two feet for wet snow is a general rule of thumb for when it's time to remove snow from your roof.

Safe

Staying safe while removing snow from your roof is crucial. Always stay on the ground to avoid slipping on wet or icy shingles, which can be a recipe for disaster.

Using a roof rake is a great way to remove snow from your roof while staying safe. These tools are designed with a long handle to help you reach high areas without having to climb onto the roof.

Credit: youtube.com, Height Work Safety Awareness Training | Training Work at Height

If your roof is too high for you to safely remove snow from the ground, consider calling a professional company to handle the removal. They have the tools and experience necessary to safely remove the snow buildup from your roof.

You can also use de-icing products to remove snow from your roof, but be sure to follow the recommended application guidelines to avoid damage to your roof or surrounding surfaces.

Here are some types of de-icing products you can use:

Don't walk on your roof, even with proper shoes, as snow and ice can make the climb too risky. Instead, use a method safe on the ground, like a roof rake or calcium chloride tablets, and consider calling a professional if necessary.

Tools and Equipment

You'll need a few essential tools to safely clear snow from your roof. A snow roof rake is a must-have, as it allows you to reach high areas with ease. Some roof rakes can be as long as 21 feet, making them perfect for tall roofs.

Credit: youtube.com, Amazing Roof Snow Removal Tool

To use a roof rake, plunge it into the upper area of the snow, aiming for the solid roof. Then, slowly pull the rake backward, and the snow will start to slide down before reaching the gutter. Make sure there's no one below the falling snow.

A roof rake looks like a garden hoe with a wider blade attached to a long pole, making it perfect for gently scraping snow off your roof. It's essential to use a roof rake safely from the ground to avoid damaging your shingles.

What is a Rake?

A roof rake is a tool specifically designed for clearing snow from roofs safely. It looks like a garden hoe with a wider blade attached to a long pole.

Using a roof rake is a much safer option than climbing roofs in winter. Climbing roofs is hazardous.

A roof rake is designed to be used from the ground, allowing you to clear snow from the roof without putting yourself at risk.

Use a Rake

Low Angle Shot of a House Roof
Credit: pexels.com, Low Angle Shot of a House Roof

Using a roof rake is a safe and effective way to clear snow from your roof. Some roof rakes are as long as 21 feet, making it easy to reach high areas.

A roof rake is a simple tool that looks like a garden hoe with a wider blade attached to a long pole. It's designed to be used safely from the ground, not on the roof itself.

To use a roof rake, plunge it into the upper area of the snow, aiming for the solid roof. Then, slowly pull the rake backward, and you'll see the snow start to slide down before reaching the gutter.

Using a roof rake requires more effort than other methods, but it offers a deliberate approach to removing wet snow from your roof. Make sure there's no one below the falling snow.

A roof rake can also help prevent ice dams by keeping the snow on your roof to one to two inches. This will minimize the chance of ice dams forming near your gutters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to remove snow from a roof?

Use a roof rake with a telescoping handle to safely remove snow from your roof from the ground, reducing the risk of injury and strain on your roof. This tool allows for efficient snow removal with minimal effort.

Lou Tarchiani

Senior Writer

Lou Tarchiani is a passionate writer, avid traveler, and animal lover. She has a diverse background, having worked in fields ranging from marketing to education. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has immersed herself in local cultures and gained unique perspectives on the world.

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