Snow Removal From The Roof: 7 Excellent Strategies To Follow

Excessive amounts of snow can put significant pressure on your roof, which may cause it to collapse.

When snow melts at the bottom and then freezes again before draining down the edge of your roof, it results in the formation of ice dams.

The accumulation of ice prevents more melted snow from draining, which causes serious harm to the structure of your property.

The reason behind the formation of ice dams is usually inadequate ventilation and insulation in the attic.

Learning snow removal from the roof can help the ice melt and prevent potential damage.

If you want to know how to remove snow from the roof, you are in the right place.

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How to Remove Snow from the Roof in Winter: 7 Practical Tips

Before we talk about methods of snow removal from the roof, it is important to have the right tools for it.

So, before we talk about the best techniques, let’s touch upon the appropriate tools for it.

1. Get a Snow Removal from Roof Tool

The task of removing snow doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating! Tools and equipment can be used to speed up the procedure without compromising effectiveness or safety.

Top-quality Snow Roof Rakes: The most popular instrument made especially for damage-free removal is a snow roof rake. These snow rakes have a long handle and a snow scoop that can be used from the ground. There are different types of roof rakes that serve different purposes. One has a soft head which is more costly as it makes sure the roof remains undamaged. Another type used is a razor blade for deep snow removal from the roof.

Telescoping Snow Removal Rakes: With their long handle and movable snow scoop, make it safer to remove snow from higher rooftops.

Snow Blowers: These are devices that make snow removal quick and simple. They can remove snow up to six meters away and are powered by gas or electricity, which makes snow removal rapid and effective. With minimal effort, this snow removal equipment’s sharp blades can cut through snow and ice.

Snow Thrower: A single-stage, smaller version of the snow blower is known as a snow thrower, which is used for small-scale projects.

Snow Melters: It has heaters that melt the snow. Then, it uses an electrically driven conveyor belt technology to move the snow from the roof.

Calcium Chloride: It is an inorganic component and is most effective at controlling ice at shallow temperatures, up to minus 25 degrees.

Learn More: How to Remove Snow from Driveway: 8 Driveway Snow Removal Methods for Canadian Homeowners

2. Invest in a Suitable Roof Rake

You can carefully wipe the snow off your roof with the head of the roof rake. A roof rake is by far the safest method for clearing snow off your roof.

It enables you to avoid using ladders, which can be particularly risky in cold weather.

For snow removal from the roof in Ottawa using a roof rake, you can follow these steps:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the roof rake (if it is not already assembled).
Stand as far away from the ground to avoid falling snow.
Using both hands, raise the roof snow rake over your head, then insert the blade into the snow.
Drag the snow off the roof in chunks as you pull it in your direction. Removing deep, heavy, or wet snow will be simpler if you work in smaller parts.
To prevent damage, try to leave approximately an inch of snow on your roof rather than scraping it down to the surface.
If you don’t want your body to hurt after you use this method for snow removal from the roof, take breaks while doing it.

3. Snow Removal From the Roof Using Steam

A steamer rapidly melts snow and ice using hot water vapours. This technique is quite effective when there is a massive amount of snow. So, it will work effortlessly on the small roofs as well.

Normally, businesses that offer snow removal services use this equipment, so you can either call them or rent a steamer.

4. Spray Warm Water

If there is less snow on the roof, you can loosen it from the shingles by misting the area with warm water.

You can purchase a garden hose nozzle that heats the water to use this method for snow removal from the roof.

If your roof has a deep, stubborn ice dam, this will not work.

5. Employ a Rope

It may sound a little strange, but you can use a rope for snow removal from the roof, especially for those with single-story roofs.

If you can have another person to assist you with this method, it would be great.

However, if you have to do this project alone, you can utilize a heavy object tied to one end of the rope to counterbalance your pulling efforts.

Below are the instructions to use this method:

Make sure the rope you choose is long enough to cover the width of your roof and has enough slack to hold or secure both ends close to the ground.
Throw the other end of the rope to a second person on the other side while keeping the other end securely in your hands. To make it easier to toss, you tie a knot to the end of the rope multiple times or fasten it to something.
Pull back and forth in a sawing manner, steadily approaching the roof’s edge, as both individuals hold fast to their sides of the rope.
Snow should be pulled from the roof and dislodged by the rope’s action.
Although it may seem like a simple job, it may be dangerous if you don’t take precautions.

6. Utilize Heating Cables

It is another straightforward method for snow removal from the roof. When ice dams start to form, heating cables are a good way to reduce their size.

Heat cables are fastened to the roof and connected to an energy source. The snow and ice around the cables melt as they get hotter.

There are certain disadvantages to this approach. Heating cables can take away from curb appeal because they are not the prettiest addition to your house. More importantly, it will lead to increased energy bills.

7. Select the Best De-icers

In the section where we mentioned tools for snow removal for the roof, we briefly discussed a powerful de-icer.

So, here, we will talk about using different varieties to get rid of snow using them in detail.

Magnesium Chloride: This de-icing agent works well for removing snow from roofs. Its ability to dissolve quickly removes snow and ice accumulation from rooftops. Magnesium chloride is a good option to avoid damage because it is less corrosive than other de-icing solutions. You can use one pound of magnesium chloride per square foot of the roof to remove all of the snow.

Liquid De-icers: Another efficient solution for removing snow from roofs is liquid de-icer. When applied, it rapidly dissolves snow and ice on the roof’s surface. Liquid de-icers can be sprayed on the roof or used directly to melt the snow. They stop additional snow and ice buildup and aid in their breakdown.

CMA or Calcium Magnesium Acetate: For snow removal from the roof, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is a common de-icing agent.

Compared to conventional de-icers, it is a more environmentally friendly choice that causes less harm to metal surfaces, vegetation, and concrete. CMA facilitates their removal by keeping snow and ice from adhering to roof surfaces. When it flows off, it is a safe option for roofs and the environment because it is less poisonous and corrosive.

Safety Tips for Snow Removal from the Roof

Here are the best practices for snow removal from the roof in Ste. Marie and all the other colder regions in Canada:

You should start snow removal from the roof from the borders and work your way up in sections toward the ridges.
Leave at least two inches of snow on the roof to prevent serious harm to the roof covering and further losses.
Remain on the ground and clear the snow using a roof rake.
When raking snow, avoid running into overhead electrical cables. If your house is two floors or higher, use a device like a snow blower.
Wear a safety harness if you plan to climb up for snow removal from the roof.
After you are done with the snow removal from the roof, don’t forget to properly dispose of snow. Snow should be dumped on the ground in places designated for that purpose, away from drain gutters, ventilation, building exits, and walkways.
To handle the low temperature, you need appropriate equipment and layers. Choose insulated and waterproof shoes for traction and to keep your feet dry, and dress in layers of warm clothing to guard against cold weather.
As snow falls, it’s important to closely monitor the weather. Winter weather may be unpredictable, as we all know by now, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for any changes in wind, precipitation, or temperature.
Remove any branches, debris, or other items off the roof that can make snow removal from the roof more challenging or dangerous.
Because metal roofs are delicate, improper tools or excessive force can easily harm them. Instead of metal shovels, use a plastic shovel made for roofing or a wide, robust snow rake with a rubber edge.

FAQs

Why should I consider snow removal from the roof?

Frequent removal guarantees safety during periods of heavy snowfall and helps preserve the structural integrity of your house.

What time of year is ideal for snow removal?

Remove snow as soon as it reaches six inches, or ideally after every snowfall. Regardless of the method you choose, perform it during the day to prevent dangers.

How can I clear my roof of snow safely?

Use a roof rake with a long handle to remove snow from the edge. Do not go up the roof unless necessary. Wear safety gear at all times, and make sure your footwear is appropriate.

Contact Our Snow Removal Services in Mississauga

These are all the safe and useful methods for snow removal from the roof.

That said, removing snow can be a tough job, which can cause muscles to ache. Additionally, you may sweat, which is not a good thing in chilly weather.

In the worst-case scenario, working too hard to clear snow can also lead to heart attacks.

Hence, it is better to hand over this task to a professional with suitable equipment and the right skill set. So, Contact us today for a free quote!

Snow Removal From The Roof: Ways For Clearing Snow Safely & Efficiently