Should I Remove the Snow from My Roof or Not?

Winter storms can leave your home blanketed in a beautiful layer of snow, but that snow can also leave homeowners wondering: Should I remove it from my roof? The answer isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, your roof is designed to handle significant snow loads. But certain situations call for extra attention to prevent damage, leaks, and safety hazards.

When You Should Remove Snow

There are specific scenarios where clearing your roof is the smart move:

1. Heavy, wet snow is piling up

Wet snow weighs much more than light, powdery flakes. If your roof is carrying more than a foot of dense, wet snow, the load could become unsafe, especially on older homes or roofs in need of repair.

2. Ice dams are forming

If you notice large icicles or ice ridges along the edges of your roof, an ice dam may be restricting melting snow from draining properly. This can force water back under shingles and into your home. Removing excess snow can help reduce the formation of ice dams.

3. You hear creaking or notice interior warning signs

Sagging ceilings, sticky doors, or unusual pops and creaks can signal that the structure is under stress. If this happens during or after a major snowfall, removing snow quickly is important.

When You Should Not Remove Snow

In many cases, removing roof snow isn’t necessary and sometimes it’s more risky than helpful.

1. The snow layer is light and fluffy

A few inches of powder doesn’t pose a threat to most roofs. Your roof is engineered to withstand typical winter conditions in your region.

2. You would need to climb on the roof

Roof snow removal can be dangerous. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls, and metal tools can accidentally damage shingles. If snow must be removed, use a roof rake from the ground or hire a professional.

3. The roof is newly installed or well-maintained

Strong, modern roofs are built to code and can handle significant snow loads. Unless you’re seeing warning signs, you generally don’t need to intervene.

How to Safely Clear Snow If Needed

If snow removal is necessary, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a long-handled roof rake to clear snow from the ground.
• Remove snow evenly from both sides of the roof to avoid creating uneven
• stress.
• Leave a thin layer of snow to protect shingles from scraping.
• Hire a licensed, insured professional if the job seems unsafe or too large.

Bottom Line

Most of the time, your roof can manage winter weather without your help. However, in cases of heavy, wet snow or developing ice dams, clearing some snow can prevent damage and expensive repairs. Evaluate your situation, stay safe, and when in doubt call a professional.