A Guide to Roof Snow Removal

Although a blanket of snow on your roof may look attractive, it actually poses a major risk to the integrity of your roof. It’s important to know when you need to remove snow and how to do the job safely without damaging your roof.

How Can Snow Damage Your Roof?

Snow can be far heavier than your roof is designed to bear — a cubic metre of snow weighs around 50 kilograms. Even if the snow begins to melt, you could still face problems. This is because melted snow that refreezes around the edge of your roof can turn into an ice dam and rip the gutters from your home. Plus, any melted snow that remains trapped on your roof due to the ice dam may seep through the shingles and damage the foundation of your home.

When to Remove Snow

You should remove snow from your roof whenever there’s more than just a light covering. Find a way to access your roof safely to measure the depth of snow. If it’s deeper than 15 centimetres, it’s time to remove the snow.

If you wait too long to remove snow, you may notice signs your roof is already damaged. Leaks through your ceilings, cracked drywall, and jammed doors all indicate the snow load is too much for your roof.

How to Remove Snow from Your Roof

If you have a pitched roof, you can remove snow using a rake designed for this purpose. You should start at the edge of the roof and move toward the centre. For flat roofs, you can use a plastic snow shovel and throw the snow away from the roof — just make sure you look down to avoid hitting someone below. Alternatively, you can use deicing chemicals (choose salt-free options) or electrical cables. These are safer, as there’s no risk of scraping your shingles.

Ideally, you’ll clear your roof from ground level, since using a ladder in icy conditions is always risky. Once you’ve finished clearing the roof itself, make sure no snow or ice remains in the gutters, as this could prevent drainage. Make sure someone else is present the whole time you are removing snow to act as a safety monitor.

The best way to remove snow from your roof is to find a professional who specializes in all things roofing. Edmonton homeowners can receive a snow removal service from Weatherproof Roofing. We have the necessary equipment, training, and experience to safely rid your roof of snow. Contact us to schedule a service.