Clearing Snow From Your Roof
Snow can be a lot of fun. Going sledding, skiing, or making snow angels are all things you look forward to during winter time. But what happens when the great big pile of snow starts collecting on your roof? During the winter, heavy amounts of snow can accumulate. Which means it can add a substantial amount of weight to your roof. Now we aren’t saying you need to go out and clear your roof after every storm. After all, it was designed to be able to take on that load. But we are saying that you should keep an eye on the accumulation of snow, and a couple of times throughout the season, make an effort to safely remove some of that weight (or all of it if you can).
When Should You Remove Snow?
In the winter months snow removal is a necessity when the accumulation of snow on the roof increases the risk of the roof’s failure. Because removal of snow potentially damages the shingles, it is recommended that you only remove snow when necessary. Fresh snow (light accumulation) poses no hazard to your house as it melts, but becomes heavier as it builds up and freezes. This can create ice dams and icicles.
How Do You Use A Snow Rake?
Using the wrong tool for the job can lead to disastrous consequences for your roof. A snow rake is the safest option for removing snow. These tools are typically in the $30-70 price range at your local home improvement store. Their unique head design minimizes damage to shingles while shaving the snow. Depending upon the size of your roof, you may want to purchase a pole extension if your rake doesn’t already come with one.
When raking the snow from your roof, we recommend leaving 1-2 inches of snow. This will help you to avoid damage to any shingles during the cleaning process. And don’t forget to clean off any overhangs!
Why Can’t I Just Use My Shovel?
You might be asking, “why can’t I just use my shovel to remove the snow from my roof?”. The biggest reason why is that you could accidentally catch the shovel on a shingle. Which would result in loosening it and allowing moisture to enter underneath. Another reason is that shovels don’t come with extensions that would allow you to safely remove the snow while standing at ground level. Using a ladder or climbing on the roof in snowy or icy conditions could result in serious injury.
When Should I Call In Professionals?
Call in a professional when you are unable to safely remove the snow from your roof yourself. These companies have all the necessary equipment that will allow them to remove the snow in a safe and effective way.
But what happens if you notice damage to your roof or experience a leak following a storm? Give the experienced professionals at NH Grand Roofs a call at (603) 552-7152 or email us at info@nhgrandroofs.com. We can perform a roof inspection to better understand the severity of the damage, and provide you with a free project estimate.
