When snow and ice accumulate on the roofs of residential homes, they can pose a significant threat and lead to structural damage. Snow removal from roofs is critical to maintain the structural integrity of the home. Many people may try to remove the snow themselves, thinking it is an easy enough task that will save them money in the long run. However, snow removal from roofing can be dangerous and do your roof more harm than good if you try to do it yourself. This is why you should hire a professional roofer to remove snow from your roof. The roofer will ensure the snow is removed properly and check for any issues that may not be readily apparent.

How Accumulating Snow Affects Residential Roofs

While ice and snow can be beautiful, the sheer weight of snow and ice can wreak havoc on a roof’s structure, particularly when there is an excessive amount. How much is excessive depends on a few factors.

Ice is lighter than water. This may lead one to believe that ice and snow on their roof isn’t so bad because snow is just many tiny ice crystals in a pile. However, there are different types of snow: normal, fluffy, dry, wet, and heavy snow.

Dry snow is light and fluffy. It occurs when temperatures are well below freezing. Wet snow is heavier because it holds more water. When temperatures are near freezing or just above freezing, the snow falling to the ground is much more likely to be wet snow.

Due to the water in it, wet snow tends to be twice as heavy as dry snow. So, if temperatures in your area are around 30 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is good to think of the snow falling during a snowstorm as twice the amount. If you get 5 inches, its weight on your roof is closer to 10 inches.

“Normal snow” forms when temperatures are in the 20s and tends to be slightly heavier than dry snow.

Another thing to keep in mind is that ice is five times heavier than even the heaviest snow. If your area is prone to freezing rains or ice dams have started forming on your roof, this will increase the strain on your roof.

Depending on the building codes of a specific region, residential roofs are built to handle a specific weight capacity. If the weight of snow and ice exceeds the load capacity of your roof, it can cause the trusses or rafters to bend or fracture, potentially risking a catastrophic roof collapse. In homes that have an older roof, this risk is even greater.

Snow Removal When You DIY

Homeowners may sometimes attempt to remove the accumulated snow from their roofs by themselves, thinking it will be easy and save them money. However, when they do this, they risk physical harm. Not only are they exposing themselves to the cold for prolonged periods, but they may also slip, fall, or have a ladder accident that may leave them with bruises or worse. They also risk potentially damaging their roof by using improper techniques to remove the snow and ice. Using metal shovels or picks can damage and scrape the roofing shingles, creating small holes where water can seep through.

Removing the visible layers of snow isn’t enough, but many homeowners who remove the snow themselves stop when the layers are gone. And all too often, many unseen dangers are left behind, continuing to damage and weaken the roof over time. One of these unseen damages is compacted layers of snow, which often weigh around 30 pounds per cubic foot. This weight puts an extreme amount of pressure on the roof. And melted snow tends to unfreeze when the temperatures drop, creating a dam of ice, or ice dams, which can damage the gutters and lead to structural damage at the ends of the roof.

Advantages of Hiring Professional Roofers for Snow Removal

Roofing repair and replacement costs are nothing to snuff at. But if homeowners try to remove snow from their roof themselves, or worse, ignore the snow and ice buildup on their roof, they could be looking at a hefty roofing repair bill that their insurance may or may not cover.

That is why it is so important to hire a skilled roofer experienced in removing snow from roofs. While this may seem like an expensive option upfront, it will save you time and could also save you long-term repair costs and avoidable medical costs.

A professional roofer will know the best methods to remain safe while working on the roof and will have the right tools and equipment to remove the snow while also protecting your roof. Trained professionals will spot hazards that homeowners often miss. They also know the best way to prevent future roof damage and how to keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come.

Remember, when it comes to roof snow removal, safety and expertise should always be the top priorities.