Snow may seem so pretty and harmless upon your roof this winter season. But, it can do considerable damage to your roof if not removed. The snow on your roof can be quite dangerous. That is why home owners should always take time and effort to have the snow removed from their roof.
First and foremost, snow can become really heavy, especially if it’s wet. If snow is not removed from a roof, it can quickly build up. Too much weight can cause your roof to cave in. If your roof is not strongly supported, caving in is a real possibility. Aside from the extensive repairs and replacement that must be done to the roof itself, you might be dealing with flooding and water damage to other areas of your home if the roof collapses.
Even if you’re lucky and your roof does not cave in, snow can still trigger leaking. As the sun begins to show and the snow melts, water intrusion can result due to ice damming, falling and sliding. The melted snow begins to seep through roof cracks and worsen existing damage.
Third, snow on roofing can cause ice damage too. As the snow melts, it can run down towards gutters. This is okay. But if refreezing occurs, snow will solidify again and can cause clogging. Because the gutters are blocked, water is forced to travel underneath the shingles.
Removing Snow from your Roof
When the roof starts to look heavy with snow, this is a good sign that you should get started on your snow removal. While snow removal might seem like an easy task, it isn’t. Lots of people can be injured when climbing on ladders – especially when you’re dealing with slippery snow!
1. Hiring a Professional
If you are not physically capable of removing snow from your roof or you do not have the proper equipment to do the job, hiring a professional roofing company is the best thing to do. Professionals have the right experience and equipment when it comes to removing snow from your roof. These services will cost you some money though. But it is better than risking yourself and risking expensive roof damage.
2. Do it Yourself
If you have the right equipment and you are physically fit to do snow removal, then why not? Removing snow from your roof can be a tedious task but it is very doable. Of course, when performing this task, some safety considerations have to be considered.
The best way to get rid of snow from your roof is by using a snow rake. This is a long pole that has a flat piece of metal attached in the end. Commonly, it is aluminum. In order to avoid potential problems, buy a snow rake that’s easy to hold and is durable. An angled pole is also suggested because it allows for maneuverability.
Be careful with metal snow rakes too as they can conduct electricity. Be sure not to get them in contact with power lines. Use a ladder to help you reach better but only do so if someone is holding it for you. In order to prevent roof damage when removing snow, do not use the rake to break up the snow by banging it against the roof.
Removing snow from your roof should be done periodically to avoid exerting too much pressure on your roof which can lead to irreversible damage. If you are looking for professional snow removal services, contact the team at Cherry & Clark Roofing.
