Winter is here, and for many homeowners, it brings the added task of snow removal. But taking on such a large responsibility can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure where to start! To help ease some burden off your shoulders as you prepare for harsher days ahead, we’re sharing our best tips and strategies for keeping up on routine roof snow removal!
The amount of snow is not as important as its weight
The critical factor in determining excessive snow loads on your roof isn’t the depth of the snow; it’s the weight, says home improvement expert Jon Eakes.
That’s because wet snow is a whole lot heavier than dry, fluffy snow. In fact, six inches of wet snow is equal to the weight of about 38 inches of dry snow. That’s a huge difference!
The good news is your roof is required by building codes to withstand the heaviest snows for your part of the country.
“Theoretically, if your roof is built to code, it’s built to support more than the normal load of snow and ice,” says Eakes.
How to know if you’ve got wet or dry snow? Your back will let you know. Simply heft a few shovelfuls — you should be able to quickly tell. Plus, local weather forecasts should alert you if snow loads are becoming excessive. Source: HouseLogic
Keep an eye out for signs of snow damage
If you’re still unsure whether your roof is risking damage after a heavy snowfall, FEMA advises homeowners to look for these warning signs.
– Sagging ceiling tiles or boards
– Popping, cracking, and creaking noises
– Interior doors that can no longer be opened or closed
– Cracks in walls or masonry
– Severe roof leaks
Excessive snow accumulation can be the result of ice dams, unbalanced snow load, heavy snowfall or rain, or just simple roof geometry working against you.
Consider consulting with a contractor before next winter to determine what you can do to increase the pitch of your roof and ease the burden of heavy snowfall. Source: Safewise
Avoid climbing the roof
When shoveling snow, you’ll want to stay on the ground as much as possible. Climbing on top of a roof or a ladder to brush away snow can result in dangerous slips and falls from a high height. To stay safe, stand on the ground and use a tool such as a roof rake to pull the snow down. To avoid pulling heavy, wet snow drifts on top of yourself, stand to the side of the roof on the ground while using the appropriate tools. Stay alert for falling icicles, too. Source: Travelers
If you still have trouble removing roof snow, never fear! We’re here to help. Just call us, and we’ll take care of it all—easy peasy.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
