How to Clear Snow Safely From Roofs Without Damage

Snow accumulation on roofs puts a strain on the structure of homes and can lead to leaks. This article from Home Evolution shares tips on how to clear snow safely from roofs without damage.

Start by clearing the gutters and removing snow from around the edges of the house. Strategically remove the snow to avoid ice dams forming, which can block melted snow from draining properly.

Use a roof rake

Snow is heavy, and if left unattended it can put stress on your roof, potentially leading to structural damage and leaks. While shovels and other snow removal tools may work for the driveway or sidewalk, they won’t get up to the roof properly and could damage shingles.

Using a roof rake will get the job done and prevent damage to your shingles. The ideal roof rake has a long handle, an extendable arm to reach higher areas, and a blade that’s designed specifically for your roof. Look for one that has a plastic edge rather than metal to reduce the risk of damaging your shingles. Some models also have rollers or gliders to create a gap between the rake and your roof to minimize shingle damage.

Some models have a flat blade head, while others are in a scoop shape to better remove larger chunks of snow. You’ll also want to consider the material, length, and adjustability of the rake. Aluminum and plastic are less likely to damage your shingles, while foam is gentler yet still effective. If you’re working on an older home with overhead power lines, be especially careful and check carefully before swinging the rake around to avoid hitting them.

To safely rake your roof, begin at the corner of the roof closest to the ground and work your way up, removing snow in layers. Be sure to clear the eaves and gutters, too, as they can be full of ice dams. Be sure to wear comfortable boots and gloves, as well as a hard-hat, and don’t stand directly underneath the snow you’re removing as it can fall and crush you.

Stay on the ground

The weight of snow on a roof can cause structural damage to a building. This is particularly true for flat and low-pitched roofs, used in many industrial buildings and certain home designs. It is a good idea to clear snow from these types of roofs on a regular basis to avoid the risk of buckled or collapsed roofs. However, removing snow from the roof can be dangerous, especially when it is wet and cold. Here are some considerations to keep in mind to make the process safe and effective.

The best way to remove snow from a roof is to start at ground level and work your way up the structure. This will allow you to avoid the dangers associated with climbing up a ladder and will also help prevent potential damage to the roof’s shingles. It is recommended to use a snow rake with a telescoping handle to reach high areas. Always be sure to have a buddy with you when working on the roof. Wearing warm clothing and safety boots is essential to avoid hypothermia and frostbite while working on the roof.

Be mindful of the roof’s load capacity and remove snow only when it is within 50% of its limit. It is important to remember that wet snow is twice as heavy as dry snow. Also, ice dams can form on the lower parts of a roof so it is a good idea to remove snow from these areas regularly.

To help prevent ice dams, it is a good idea to sprinkle roof salt or ice melt on the roof after removing snow. Also, a plastic tarp can be used to catch snow and ice as it falls from the roof to make clean up easier.

Don’t climb a ladder

Every year, workers are killed and seriously injured by falling off roofs and other structures during snow or ice removal. This is usually due to the weight of heavy equipment being lifted or a ladder being positioned incorrectly. Often, these workers are removing snow directly from the roof or using tools such as shovels or rakes to clear the structure.

Avoiding climbing a ladder and instead working from the ground can help to prevent these risks. There are even tools called snow rakes that look similar to a garden hoe with a long handle. These tools can be used to remove small amounts of snow at a time to prevent strain or fall hazards.

Before climbing a ladder, it is essential to ensure that the area where the ladder will be placed is completely clear of snow and ice. Additionally, the ladder should be secured with a strap or belt to prevent it from moving or becoming unsteady as you climb.

In addition, a step or multi-use ladder should be checked before climbing to make sure the locking mechanism is secure. Ladders often feature a color indicator that will tell you whether or not the latch is in the locked position, but it is also important to physically check the rungs and locks as well.

If you are unable to safely work from the ground, it is best to call a professional for help with roof snow removal. They will have the proper safety harnesses, tools and knowledge to ensure that you are not at risk of a fall or structural damage. They will also likely use a more effective method such as calcium chloride tablets to eliminate the build-up.

Don’t use harsh chemicals

In addition to being a health and safety hazard, the use of chemicals on a roof can damage its covering. For example, salt will eat away at the roofing materials and may cause stains. A better choice is calcium chloride, which is nontoxic and will melt snow and ice without damaging the surface of your roof. It can be purchased from most hardware stores. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using any chemical.

Attempting to remove too much snow at once can create pressure on the roof that could result in cracks and leaks. In extreme cases, this can also lead to structural problems with the home or business.

The best way to minimize this risk is to regularly clear the snow from the eaves and overhangs of your home or commercial building. Ideally, this should be done after every major snowfall. If you don’t want to make the effort to do this yourself, it is always a good idea to call in a professional.

Never attempt to climb onto a roof in snowy and icy conditions. Even with a ladder, this can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by professionals who have the proper harnesses and equipment. Similarly, don’t use ice picks or other mechanical equipment on your roof to remove snow. Not only can they damage your roof, but they can also conduct electricity if they come into contact with power lines. It’s also a good idea to have a partner when working on a ladder or with any type of mechanical device on the roof. A partner can help provide a safety check on the load-bearing capacity of the roof and remove any fallen debris.

Don’t forget the gutters

When snow accumulates on a roof, it adds a lot of extra weight. The resulting excess stress can cause your gutter system to pull away from the roof or even collapse. This can damage fascia and soffit boards, as well as lead to water leaks that affect your home’s interior, walls, ceilings, floors, and electrical systems.

Snow damage to your gutters can be further compounded by the formation of ice dams. An inch of ice weighs more than an equal amount of heavy snow, so preventing the buildup of ice is essential to keeping your gutter system functioning properly and avoiding costly repairs.

To keep your gutters from becoming damaged by ice dams, ensure they’re well-ventilated and insulated. Ideally, you should also install a gutter protection system that prevents clogs by keeping water moving freely through the gutters. The best gutter guards for heavy snowfall have stainless steel mesh filters and heavy-duty unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) frames.

If you’re uncomfortable with the safety risks of clearing snow from your roof yourself, contact a local roofing and property maintenance company to do it for you. They’ll know the best way to do it safely, as well as how much snow your roof can handle. Every roof has a maximum load limit, so it’s important to be aware of how much yours can take before you need to remove the snow. A flat or low-slope roof is also more prone to roof collapse from excessive snow accumulation, so it’s important to remove it before it builds up to six inches or more.