As mentioned in our last month’s post, “Protect Your Roof from Snow and Ice,” clearing snow from your roof helps protect your roof from serious damage or collapse. Keeping the snow off your roof will lead to a longer-lasting roof. But how often do you need to clear the snow? How will you know if your roof is in danger? Many homeowners try shoveling as a way to get a lot of the snow off. “Must I really use a snow rake?” All of these questions and more will be answered with the following tips.
When to Remove Snow
During the winter weather, snow removal is a necessity when accumulation on roofs increase the risk of the roof’s failure. Because removing snow potentially damages the shingles, we suggest that you only remove snow when necessary. Fresh, a few inches of light snowfall poses no threat to your house. However, as snow melts, it becomes heavy often freezing creating ice dams and icicles. Your snow load also increases when it rains on top of the snow. If your gutters get clogged, the hazards to your roof increase. Your roof’s snow-load capacity also depends on its construction and size. A pitched roof handles a greater snow-load than a flat roof. The size and pitch of your roof will determine your roof’s snow-load capacity. Before a storm hits, make sure you know the capability and structural support of your roof.
How to Calculate Snow Load and Roof Capacity
To most accurately determine when you need to remove snow, you need to know both the load capacity of your roof and the weight of the snow currently on your roof. Online calculators have made calculating your roof’s load capacity unnecessary. Online calculators require the pitch, length and width of your roof.
To determine the pitch measure the rise (the vertical distance between the peak of the roof and the edge) and the run (the horizontal distance from the peak of your roof to the edge). Divide the rise by the run. Then convert the fraction to a ratio of 12. For example, if the rise of your roof is 15 feet and the run is 30 feet, then the pitch equals 15:30 feet, which is 6:12. Common roof pitches are between 4:12 and 9:12. If you choose not to calculate the pitch, simply select the lowest likely pitch.
Online calculators also require you to identify the weight of the snow. This calculator only requires an identification of the type of snow. This calculator also requires your roof length, width, pitch, and snow depth. If you choose a different online calculator that requires the actual weight of the snow, you can calculate the weight by weighing a bucket and then putting one cubic foot of snow into the container from the ground (1 ft high, wide and deep). This tells you the weight of the snow per square foot. For most homes, you need to take action when snow loads exceeding 20 lbs per square foot.
How to Properly Use a Snow Rake
Whether shoveling the walks or removing snow from your roof, you need to use the proper tool for the job. Most snow rakes cost between $30-60. Snow rakes are designed to be used from the ground for safety. Their unique head design minimizes damage to shingles while shaving the snow. Snow rakes also come with extensions. This allows the user to reach their roof from the ground. Though the rake may not be long enough to reach the entire roof, removing snow from the overhangs is particularly important. The overhang is the weakest part of the roof and is also most likely to be where ice dams form. While raking the rooftop, leave an inch or two of snow. This ensures that you do not cause any damage to the shingles. Scratching the shingles can destroy some of the granules protecting your property.
Why Can’t I Just Use a Shovel?
Shoveling to remove snow can wreak havoc in two ways. First of all, any accidental contact with shingles will remove granules. This weakens the shingles and allows moisture into the home. You may also accidentally catch a shingle and push snow under it. Another problem you face is without an extension, you must use a ladder or climb on the roof. Many people slip and fall off their roof while trying to clear the snow causing injury and even death. Stepping on the roof also compacts the snow and creates ice. Clearing snow from your roof needs a professional when you cannot do it safely.
When to Seek Professional Help
Clearing snow from your roof is necessary to protect your roof during heavy winter weather. When the snow load approaches a dangerous limit and you are unable to safely clear the snow yourself, call a professional. Also, do not try to remove any ice buildup yourself, let the professionals do that. Doing so will certainly damage your shingles. Hiring experts in time will keep you safe and your home protected from damage. Always hire a professional to prevent damage especially to remove any ice dams. Contact Specialty Home Products for a list of our services in the areas near you.