Should I remove snow from my roof?
If you see a large amount of snow on your roof, you’d better take it seriously. Unfortunately for us all, that fairytale look only seems harmless, in reality it exposes your roof to multiple hazards. The first instinct is usually to remove it all as soon as possible and this is a correct decision, but there are several factors you need to consider before doing that. As it has been mentioned, we say yes to snow removal! The main reason for that is that weight on the roof might cause a lot of damage such as:
- appearance of new cracks or old cracks expansion
- water pooling and flooding if your roof is flat
- serious structural damage
- the early failure of the gutter system and so on
As you can see, there are many things that can go wrong. That is why the snow should be removed. However, we can’t stress this enough the importance of following safety rules/ Trying to save their property, the majority of the homeowners tend to forget that it is a tricky task even for a professional. First thing you need to do is to make sure that the amount of snow on your roof is really worrying. If it is a low-pitch roof, 18 inches of snow can be considered as a threat. In general, almost all types of roof can easily withstand up to 20 pounds per m2 of snow. Discussing this topic, we can’t omit the question of safety. Before climbing on your roof, consider the following factors:
- The type of snow (wet or fluffy, old or new)
- The ratio of water to snow
- Existence of structural problems
We also warn against climbing your roof when there is a strong wind. One wrong step and the situation can end up badly. Don’t risk your health and schedule an appointment with a professional. Call us at 847-483-9960 and get your free estimation offer.