Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow — but sometimes, enough is enough! If the snow is piling up on your roof, you may be worried about how your home will be affected. If you’re asking “Should I remove snow from my roof?” this blog post is for you!
Should I Remove Snow from My Roof?
There are certain areas of the country where you need to worry about snow piling up. For example, did you know that Crater Lake in Oregon gets over 500 inches of snowfall a year? Imagine shoveling that driveway in the morning! However, even if you don’t live in a place like Crater Lake, snow is a winter weather hazard you want to be ready for. Hopefully, your roof has been inspected recently, and there are no repairs or maintenance needed to make your roof winter-ready. All you should have to do at this point is sit back and wait for the snow to fall.
But what if you experience a big snowfall? As in, a couple of feet or more? Is it safe to leave that much snow on your roof during the winter? The answer depends on a few factors, but typically, the answer is yes.
Your Roof Is Built to Last
Seeing a couple of feet of snow on your roof can set off the warning bells in your head. After all, a couple feet of snow is a lot of extra weight on your roof. Can it withstand the pressure, or should you do something about it before you have to deal with a collapsed roof in the winter cold?
Believe it or not, no matter how much snow is piled upon it, odds are good that your roof is just fine. Building codes require roofs in most snowy areas to be able to withstand 25 to 35 pounds of snow per square foot. That’s the equivalent of three feet of fresh snow across your entire roof. It is unlikely the snow will pile up higher than that, especially if you have a pitched roof and other winter safety measures in place. As long as your roof is up to code, you should be okay.
. . . But Sometimes It Doesn’t
While a roof that’s in good shape won’t be bothered by winter weather woes, there are occasions where your roof will need to have snow removed in the winter. Snow can create or exacerbate water damage caused by common roof failures, such as a faulty roof membrane or damaged roof seams. If you are seeing evidence of leaks and water damage inside your home, it’s time to call in some help with snow removal.
Snow Removal Is a Job for the Professionals
You may be wondering why you’d call someone else to help you remove snow from your roof. After all, you have a ladder and a shovel, so you’re all set. Right?
Not so fast. Snow removal from a roof is dangerous and complicated, and there are several reasons why you should leave it to the professionals:
- Improperly removing snow from your roof can cause damage to shingles and other essential roof parts. You don’t want to make any existing damage worse.
- Snow removal is dangerous. It’s cold work, done in treacherous conditions, and it requires safety equipment to be done correctly. Homeowners typically do not have the equipment and expertise needed to remove snow from a roof safely, and there’s a lot at risk if something goes wrong. Don’t ring in the New Year with a broken leg – or worse.
- If your roof is leaking, snow removal is most likely not the only work that has to be done. Calling in professional roofers can help you take care of the snow problems and your roof problems all at once. Why make your life harder than it needs to be?
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“Should I remove snow from my roof?” You shouldn’t necessarily do it by yourself, but if your roof is leaking, it’s time to call in the pros. Taylor-Made Roofing has been helping Missourians with their snow removal needs for over 20 years. If you’re in Missouri, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!