Here in Western New York, we’re accustomed to some pretty wild winter weather. In November of 2014, we received an especially heavy snowfall that captured national news headlines and left some locals stranded in their homes for nearly a week. After a few days of continuous snowfall, homeowners in the hardest hit areas had to start worrying about their rooves collapsing under feet of heavy snow. A number of rooves had collapsed by the time the storm receded, causing injuries and costing businesses and individuals millions of dollars in repair costs. If you live in a region prone to heavy snowfall, it’s imperative that you’re prepared to protect your roof from collapse during those big winter storms.
Do Your Research
If you can, contact the contractor who built your roof to determine how much weight it can tolerate. You may also be able to gather this information from a licensed structural engineer. Bear in mind that the building codes governing roof weight tolerances vary from state to state. You should be especially cautious if you have an older roof on your home.
Safety First
If you don’t feel confident in your ability to safely remove the snow yourself, call in the professionals. Try to line up a local contractor in advance so that you don’t have to worry about the integrity of your roof during a snowstorm.
Use the Right Tools
A snow rake is the best option for removing snow from your roof. Using a metal shovel can do unintentional damage to shingled roofs. Take care to wear safety goggles and head protection as well, especially if you’re removing large icicles from your roof.
The Technique
Start from the edge of your roof and work your way towards the peak. Leave an inch or two of snow so as to avoid doing damage to shingles in the removal process. Don’t attempt any dangerous maneuvers while trying to remove snow from the hard to reach areas of roof. Remember: that snow will start to drift down once you remove the snow from the edges of your roof. Work your way around the roof in an even, symmetrical pattern to avoid putting uneven stress on the rafters. While you clean your roof, take the opportunity to clear your gutters and drains as well.
