Although the presence of a light layer of snow on your rooftop may initially seem harmless, the accumulation of greater amounts of snow on your roof can become dangerous. The pile of snow that collects becomes heavy, and this can then threaten the structure of your roof, as well as that of your building.
Allowing professional roofers to provide their assistance in safely clearing piles of snow off your roof during wintertime is the most practical way to ensure the safety of both your roof and your home.
In general, there are several ‘Do’s and ‘Don’ts that professional roofers follow when it comes to proper rooftop snow removal, and we advise that homeowners pay attention to these as well. Read on to learn more about these smart safety guidelines.
The Do’s of Rooftop Snow Removal
Do start from the edge of your roof when you are attempting to remove snow yourself, and work your way onto the roof from there.
Do keep in mind that metal tools used during the removal process may cause more damage to your roof and/or have the potential to conduct electricity if the tool comes in contact with a power line.
Do use plastic tools, such as a snow rake for pitched roofs.
Do try to keep a buildup of snow away from fire escapes, emergency and other building exits, drain downspouts, and ventilation openings.
Do contact a roofing professional to safely remove the buildup of snow if you are worried about the safety of your home or your roof.
The Don’ts of Rooftop Snow Removal
Do not attempt to remove heavy layers of snow or ice yourself if you are not fully confident in your ability to do so. Removing snow on your rooftop can be dangerous, particularly if weather conditions are still not forgiving or if the snow has hardened into ice.
Do not use sharp tools in attempts to remove snow from your rooftop. This is less likely to efficiently remove the snow and may very well do more harm than good.
Do not attempt to melt the snow/ice on your roof yourself through the use of open-flame devices, or other electronic devices such as hair-dryers or heat guns. This will only create more ice and add more weight to your roof, which further threatens your rooftop’s structural capabilities.
Do not use a standard ladder if you attempt to remove snow yourself. Only special ladders – typically utilized by professionals – should be used, as regular ladders may develop ice on the rungs of their primary structure and pose danger to those using them. This also goes for safety ropes and any other snow removal equipment.
Do not stockpile more snow onto your roof or add your own weight to the rooftop unless the action has been approved by a registered professional engineer/roofer.
If you are in need of expert rooftop snow removal services from professionals you can trust, contact us at Flynn Roofing Co. today!