Having a little bit of ice and snow on your roof isn’t a serious problem. In fact, a snowy rooftop can make for a picturesque scene during the winter. On the other hand, too much snow can pose a serious problem if it isn’t removed. Snow gets surprisingly heavy when it’s wet, which can weigh heavily on even the sturdiest roofing system. It can also cause ice dams to form, which in turn can cause severe water damage and even leaks in your roof that require professional roof repair.
As with any roofing issue, we strongly advise against attempting to remove snow from your roof on your own. Roof work requires proper training and equipment, making it safer and more effective to call HT Roofing & Construction for assistance if snow accumulation becomes excessive. That said, there are proactive steps you can take to help minimize the buildup of ice and snow on your roof this winter.
1. Know How Much Snow Is Too Much
First of all, you need to know when you have too much snow on your roof. As a rule, if you have more than a foot of wet snow on your roof, you should have it removed. You should also keep an eye out for signs of weakness such as dips, sags, or damaged gutters, especially if your roof is 20 years old or older.
2. Stay on the Ground
Climbing onto your roof is a bad idea under the best of conditions; it’s even more dangerous when you have to contend with ice and snow. It may be tempting to climb up to a flat roof and simply shovel snow away, but you should always stay on the ground. Keep the rooftop work to professionals who have the proper tools and training to stay reasonably safe.
3. Work With a Partner
You should always work with a partner when removing snow from your roof even when you’re not climbing onto the roof yourself. There’s a risk of injury from falling ice and snow, and working outside during the winter is always potentially dangerous. If you slip and fall or develop hypothermia, you’ll need someone there who can help you receive proper medical attention.
4. Use a Roof Rake
A roof rake is a tool with a telescoping handle that can brush snow from the edges of your roof. It won’t remove all the snow, but it can get rid of enough of it to allow water to drain from your roof and prevent an ice dam from forming.
If you use a roof rake, be mindful of where the snow falls, especially if it’s particularly wet and heavy. Stand to the side to keep it from falling on top of you, and consider shoveling it a few feet away from your house so it doesn’t melt and cause any basement flooding.
5. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Your gutters and downspouts allow water to safely drain from your roof. They can easily be blocked by ice and snow, so pay close attention to them. Downspouts are obviously easier to keep clear since they are accessible from the ground, but you might need help from a roofing professional to remove ice and snow from your gutters.
If you’re not sure whether or not your gutters are blocked, look for icicles hanging from your roof; that’s usually a good indicator that there’s a problem. As for the downspouts, make sure that there isn’t any snow blocking them on the ground and that water seems to be at least trickling from them.
6. Don’t Remove All the Snow From Your Roof
While it may be tempting to remove all the snow from your roof if you can, it’s not necessary. In fact, doing so could damage your shingles and cause even more problems. It’s usually better to remove snow from the edges of your roof. As long as there’s less than a foot of snow and your gutters seem to be in good condition, your roof should be fine.
Call HT Roofing & Construction for Roofing Services
If you have too much snow on your roof and aren’t able to remove it safely, HT Roofing & Construction will be happy to assist you. We have provided roofing services to homes in Lenexa, KS and the surrounding area since 2017, including roof repair as well as full replacements and inspections. We can help you with all of your rooftop snow removal needs. Contact us today for more information about our services.
