How to Keep Your Roof Clear of Snow
Winter landscapes are gorgeous, but they may be difficult for homeowners to deal with. As the snow piles up, the added weight puts structural stress on structures, especially those with flat roofs. Even if your home has a steeply pitched roof, ice dams and blocked gutters can prevent snow from falling off. Heavy amounts of wet snow can cause shingle deterioration, load-bearing wall tension, and even roof collapse. Getting snow off your roof is a treacherous task. We'll show you how to keep snow off your roof in the first place, rather than to climb a ladder in the cold or risk a dangerous fall from ice overhangs.
How to keep snow off your roof? 1. Use heating cables to prevent ice blockages. An ice dam is precisely what it sounds like: ice that forms a barrier on your roof, preventing snow from falling off. Snow isn't the only thing that might cause problems for your roof. Ice weighs more than 57 pounds per cubic foot, a weight that your roof may not be able to take.
Fortunately, ice dams and build-up are relatively simple and inexpensive to avoid. Invest in heating cables to aid in the removal of snow from the back of your roof. To prevent ice build-up, place them along sections of the roof or in gutters. However, keep an eye on your energy bill and remember to unplug them when the weather warms up.
2. Calculate snow load on your roof While most roofs are designed to hold up to 20 pounds per square foot according to modern building codes, older structures and those with flat roofs may struggle under the weight of even moderate snow accumulation. And not all snowstorms are created equal. On average, relatively dry snow weighs around 5 pounds a foot, while wet snow can tip the scales at more than 20 pounds per foot. ³ To calculate the snow load on your roof, assume that every inch deep of snow equals 1.25 pounds. Your equation for determining snow load, S x 1.25 = P, is relatively straightforward math. S stands for the snow depth on your roof in inches, and P stands for the pounds per square foot that your roof can support.
3. Use a roof rake to remove snow off your roof. You'll need the correct tool for the job if you have too much snow on your roof. If you have a pitched roof, you can clear snow off it with a long-handled rake.
However, not just any rake will suffice. Look for a roof rake with a long handle, such as the one shown below, specifically suited for the purpose.
Roof snow removal tips that are both safe and effective Never remove snow from your roof or a ladder. You would be adding weight to the high load your roof is already carrying, in addition to the threat of slippery rungs. Instead, here's what you should do. First, look for any loose shingles that could become caught in the roof rake. Then look around for any potential interference, such as power lines or tree branches. With the rake, begin at the edge of your roof and work your way in, leaving several inches of snow to avoid scraping the shingles and inflicting costly roof damage. Finally, using a rope to remove roof snow is a "don't do this at home" technique. While it appears amazing on YouTube, it is still risky because it necessitates going on your roof to secure the rope. For additional information on home safety in the winter, visit us at roof snow removal services in Etobicoke.