Around this time of year, the question of how to remove snow from a roof is pretty common.
This article tackles the most effective and safe ways to remove snow from your roof, as well as what should be avoided. We’ll also take a look at whether it’s advisable to remove snow from solar panels or solar shingles.
For our purposes here, our discussion revolves around cleaning snow off of a pitched asphalt or metal roof.
Let’s dive into how to safely remove snow from your roof …
USE A ROOF RAKE
A roof rake, when properly utilized, is the best way to remove snow from your roof.
The added weight of snow can put a strain on your roof, so it’s worth investing in a well-made roof rake to remove some of the snow off of your roof.
One of the most important things about a roof rake is the fact that it lets your clear some of the snow off your roof while remaining on the ground.
Be sure to get a roof rake with a telescoping handle that extends the rake further for added reach.
A WORD ON ICE DAMMING
Another good reason to remove some (but not all) of the snow off your roof is that it helps prevent ice damming, which can occur when snow melts and then freezes near/in gutters. This is often the cause of icicles forming on the gutters of your roof.
Simply removing the first 5-6 feet of snow from the roof is sufficient. In addition, you DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE ALL OF THE SNOW FROM THIS 5-6 FOOT AREA. It’s actually recommended to leave a thin layer of snow (1-2 inches worth), which protects shingles while still minimizing ice dam formation.
TAKE IT ONE SECTION AT A TIME
If you’re working on removing heavy snow drifts from your roof, do it a little bit at a time, removing the deepest accumulations first. Also, be sure to pull small amounts of snow off the roof with each rake, as opposed to pulling off a big mound all at once, which can be dangerous. Aggregating snow into a large mound on your roof before beginning to rake it off is not advisable as this adds additional pressure and weight, albeit temporary, on your roofing.
Finally, when you rake off the snow, begin with the area CLOSEST TO YOU, and then progress further up the roof.
WHAT ABOUT SNOW ON SOLAR PANELS AND SOLAR SHINGLES?
Typically, it’s not a good idea to manually remove snow from solar panels or solar shingles. Doing so can lead to voiding your solar panel warranty, and it’s not safe.
The good news is that because of their smooth finish, even a little bit of sun will naturally melt snow off the solar panels/shingles, or it will just slide off. Even here in Wisconsin, cleaning snow off panels is not advisable.
ALTERNATIVES TO A ROOF RAKE
The following alternatives can be used to remove snow from a roof.
- Calcium Chloride Tablets
- Steam Snow Removal
- Heating Cables
That said, since these solutions include standing on the roof or a ladder to perform, this work should be done by a trained professional as there is a high risk of injury.
WORK WITH A PARTNER
Even when using a roof rake, it’s best to work with a partner to be a second set of eyes while snow is being raked off the roof. This will help ensure your safety.
STAY ON THE GROUND
We can’t stress this point enough.
Climbing onto a ladder, or even more precarious your roof, is dangerous. Avoid it. Invest in a good roof rake and stay firmly planted on the ground. If second-story work is required, and your roof rake is not long enough, get in touch with a reputable roofing contractor to determine if anything actually needs to be done, and if so what the cost is.
TAKE CARE OF THOSE GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
While working on removing snow from your roof, be sure to address your gutters and drains, too. Keeping them clean and free of debris like ice, snow, leaves, and twigs can go a long way in assuring gutters and drains function optimally.
Cleaning gutters can often involve getting on a ladder. If you choose to do this yourself, be sure to use a sturdy ladder, and make sure you have a partner spotting you.
An alternative to having to cleaning gutters is to have gutter guards installed.
WHAT NOT TO DO …
- Don’t use harsh chemicals
- As mentioned above, don’t take all the snow off your roof
- Don’t walk on your roof — no matter what — to clear the snow, it’s too dangerous
- Don’t use brooms, mallets, or sharp tools to remove snow as any of these options can damage your roof, or cause granule loss
GET IN TOUCH ANYTIME
If you have any questions about your roof, feel free to reach out to us — even during the winter months! We’d be happy to speak with you, and even stop by for a complimentary inspection upon request.